* * *
“I also dislike crowded places. I’m more comfortable being alone.”
“Me too. Is that why I can’t handle social life? Actually, I used to work at a company, but I quit after two weeks. But you seem to be getting along better at your job, Junhee.”
“…Not really.”
Until he met Taeryu, he used to think his job was somewhat manageable.
Apart from the anxiety that the app could disappear at any moment, he had been fairly satisfied overall.
But after a certain point, even his everyday life became precarious.
‘If only I hadn’t gotten involved in the first place.’
If he had firmly refused when the CEO mentioned the VVIP client, things wouldn’t have become this exhausting.
Now, it was too late to blame anyone.
Blinded by the bait of a department transfer and an unexpected promotion, it was none other than himself who had made the choice.
“You look like you have a lot on your mind.”
“…Lately, I’ve been feeling doubtful about my job. I’m working hard, but I’m not sure if it’s right. Should I just continue as is, or put more effort into another direction? I can’t seem to decide.”
For some reason, it was easy to speak his mind in front of this man.
As if the intoxication he thought had disappeared was still lingering on his lips.
“I think I understand that feeling. Like being adrift alone on the vast sea, clutching onto a paper boat that could sink with the next wave. For some reason, I feel like we could really communicate well, Junhee. Contact me if you ever feel stifled.”
Before he knew it, a pristine white business card was placed between Yoonjae’s fingers.
[405 Atelier, Cha Yoonjae]
“People say stepping out of your comfort zone helps clear your thoughts. It’s my comfort zone, but it might be a new space for you. Anytime is fine, so drop by when you have time. I’ll show you around my studio.”
The business card was neat and simple, without a hint of excess.
He said he was practically unemployed, yet here he was, the owner of a proper studio, complete with a business card.
It made Junhee feel a bit betrayed, but he didn’t dislike Yoonjae, so he carefully put the card away.
‘…Should I give him mine too?’
He hesitated, feeling that Yoonjae would immediately grasp the connection between him and Moon Doyoung if he saw his business card.
“Darling! You’ve been waiting for long? What…? I was just a bit late, and you’re already with another guy…?”
A man suddenly appeared, glaring daggers at Junhee as if overwhelmed with betrayal.
When Junhee looked closely at the man’s face, he was startled.
The man seemed just as surprised.
“Who would’ve thought we’d meet again here? Human connections are truly amazing… Oh! How’s your wrist, Junhee?”
“Yes. Thanks to you, the swelling went down quickly, and I’m doing much better now.”
Yoonjae’s partner was none other than Kim Daeheon—the doctor who had treated Junhee’s wrist.
“I thought your name sounded familiar, Junhee. I must’ve heard it from him.”
“What? When did I ever mention Junhee? Are you drunk?”
His partner’s face was clearly flustered.
Daeheon tried desperately to send Yoonjae a look, but he continued speaking indignantly.
“What? I’m not drunk at all. Why? Remember when that annoying chaebol friend of mine showed up suddenly one night with someone, and that person was…”
“Shall we toast? Yes, let’s toast! It’s nice to meet again!”
Daeheon hastily raised his glass as if to silence him.
Junhee didn’t need to hear more to know what had been said.
He wasn’t curious about the rest of the story.
Instead, he wondered if lovers had to share every little detail, wouldn’t it be tiresome?
Clink. The three of them clinked glasses and took a sip each.
The ripe, fruity aroma spread warmly through Junhee’s mouth, gently lifting his spirits.
The lights outside the window floated like drifting pieces in the dark sea.
‘The vast sea…’
Perhaps the phrase had stayed with him from Yoonjae’s earlier words.
If he was succumbing to such meaningless sentiment, he must be a bit tipsy.
“I think I should get going.”
Leaving at the same time as Siwon would draw too much attention, so he thought he should leave first and wait.
“Already? That’s too bad. Call me with the number on the card, Junhee.”
“…Yes.”
Junhee quietly nodded in agreement.
Although it was unclear when it might happen.
“Don’t strain your wrist too much, and even if it doesn’t hurt, make sure to take your medication, okay? If you skip it just because you’re feeling a bit better, it’ll flare up again in no time. And if you’re ever feeling uncomfortable, just come by whenever you want.”
“Yes. Thank you for your concern.”
“Sweetheart, should we step out for a bit to see Junhee off and get some fresh air?”
“That sounds good.”
As Junhee stepped outside, Daeheon and Yoonjae followed behind.
They were about to exchange their final goodbyes when Daeheon’s phone rang.
He hesitated for a moment before answering the call, and strangely, it seemed like he glanced briefly at Junhee.
“Oh, did you call earlier? I was outside and didn’t even realize… Wait, what’s wrong with you?”
Daeheon’s expression instantly stiffened, and his voice dropped to a low tone.
“What’s going on? Are you okay right now? No, you don’t sound okay at all… Hey! Get a grip, Taeryu! Taeryu?!”
At the sound of the familiar name, Junhee widened his eyes and looked at Kim Daeheon.
Without any response on the other end, Daeheon anxiously called out several more times, clutching the phone tightly, before hurriedly grabbing his coat.
“Sweetheart, I need to go check on Taeryu for a bit.”
“What? What happened?”
“I don’t know. He doesn’t seem to be in his right mind. There was a thud, so I think he might have collapsed… I need to go see him.”
As Junhee stood there, equally tense, Daeheon moved to rush past him but suddenly stopped in his tracks.
The one blocking his way was none other than Cha Yoonjae.
“Kim Daeheon, you’ve been here for less than 20 minutes. I’ve been waiting for over two hours.”
“Sweetheart, why are you being like this all of a sudden? It’ll only take a moment. I really mean it, just for a moment.”
Yoonjae crossed his arms and shot a cold glare at Daeheon.
“I told you two weeks ago, didn’t I? Today’s the first time I’m introducing you to my friends, so don’t be late. But not only did you make me wait forever, now what? You’re leaving the moment you arrive?”
In the suffocating atmosphere, Junhee found himself caught awkwardly between the two, unsure of what to do.
“Jaejae, why are you doing this…? I’ll be right back, I promise. Or if not, can I at least drop off some medicine for him?”
After glaring at Daeheon silently for a long time, Yoonjae finally let out a resigned sigh and stepped aside.
“…Fine, go.”
“Thank you for understanding, sweetheart. I’ll be back soon!”
But before Daeheon could even take a single step—
“But if you go, be prepared to never see me again.”
“Sweetheart! What are you saying? No matter how upset you are, how can you say something like that?”
Daeheon’s eyes shook as if an earthquake had struck.
He reached out and grabbed Yoonjae’s hand.
“You know I can’t live without you. Please, don’t do this, Jaejae….”
“From what I see, it’s not that you can’t live without me—it’s that you can’t live without your friends.”
Smack! Yoonjae forcefully yanked his hand away and stormed back into the wine bar.
“Sweetheart! Sweetheart! Jaejae….”
Daeheon, who was desperately calling after Cha Yoonjae, turned to Junhee with eyes that looked on the verge of tears.
Beep.
The elevator swiftly ascended to its destination as the card key was scanned.
“Whew.”
Junhee let out a long breath, still struggling to grasp the current situation.
‘Junhee, can I ask a favor? My sweetheart isn’t usually this cold-hearted, but I think I’ve been so busy lately that everything’s just been piling up… If this continues, I might really get dumped…!’
When the grown man started sobbing like a child, Junhee was caught off guard and hastily pulled out a handkerchief.
He was used to wiping the tears of children, but when it came to a grown man crying, he had no immunity.
‘Please, Junhee, I’m begging you. Just this once, please help me. If you do, I promise I’ll treat you as a VIP at our hospital for life… No, I’ll waive your hospital bills forever! Ugh, just thinking about breaking up with Jaejae makes my heart…!’
The doctor was gasping as if he might pass out at any moment, clutching onto Junhee’s pant leg desperately.
It was as if everyone had chosen today, of all days, to pour their hearts out to Junhee.
At least it seemed like Ki Taeryu wasn’t going to show up over the weekend, which was a relief, but in the end…
‘I’m back here again.’
Who could have predicted things would turn out like this?
In Junhee’s hand was a packet of medicine and an emergency card key that Daeheon had given him.
‘This is really strong stuff, so don’t take more than two pills… Oh, but you probably already know. I’ve told you until your ears bled. Junhee, thank you so much, really….’
Daeheon, who had barely stopped crying, gripped Junhee’s hand tightly and kept thanking him repeatedly.
That’s how Junhee ended up catching a taxi and sending a message to Siwon.
He apologized for having to leave abruptly due to an urgent matter. Since he hadn’t received any reply or call yet, it seemed Siwon was still busy.
Just in case, Junhee took a suppressant pill that he always carried with him.
After getting off the elevator, he walked down the familiar hallway until he reached the front door.
* * *
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Crazy