I am not a Yandere chapter 67

* * *

Lost in thought, Wonjin clapped his hands together, as if trying to gather his resolve.

“Oh, and…”

Wonjin pulled something out from inside his suit jacket and placed it in Yeongdeok’s empty hand.

When the warmth touched his once-cold hand, Yeongdeok lowered his head to check what was in his palm.

A small, rechargeable hand warmer lay there.

“I thought I never really gave you anything… Even though it’s late, happy birthday.”

A birthday is just the day you were born, nothing more.

Why do they all act like it’s such a big deal that they missed it?

Thinking this, Yeongdeok squeezed the hand warmer tightly.

The warmth wasn’t vague; it was clearly felt, and his heart started to beat faster than usual.

“I figured you wouldn’t need much, so I had a hard time deciding what to give you… But anyway, I prepared this for you, Yeongdeok.”

Whether it was because of his pounding heart, or because of what Wonjin had said, Yeongdeok suddenly felt a flash of light in his mind.

That light was a powerful realization, as if he’d been hit in the back of the head.

“For me…?”

“Yeongdeok?”

“So that’s what it was.”

The same emotion he felt when he saw Eungyeol smile before returning to the past now swept over him like a wave.

And this feeling of elation and excitement he was experiencing now… he wasn’t sure, but if he had to define it, he thought it might be called “being touched” or “joy.”

“So you took care of me. Fool. You should have just said so.”

With a softened expression, Yeongdeok closed his eyes and smiled.

Wonjin, seeing this clear smile for the first time on his face, gulped nervously, knowing that smile wasn’t directed at him.

“Who are you talking to…?”

“Anyway, thank you.”

“Pardon?”

“I said, thank you.”

Wonjin thought this was another case of him thinking about someone else, but Yeongdeok’s unwavering gaze was fixed directly on him.

“Uh…”

Realizing that this unfamiliar expression of gratitude was aimed at him, Wonjin stiffened awkwardly like a robot with faulty data.

His jaw dropped slightly as he absentmindedly stared, then relaxed into a faint smile and asked Yeongdeok:

“Does that mean you’ve forgiven me?”

“What nonsense are you talking about? I said I was grateful for the gift. It means nothing more.”

Yeongdeok sharply cut off Wonjin, who tried to smoothly brush things aside, drawing a clear line. Wonjin’s smile faded, and he slowly deflated.

“I figured as much…”

The boldness with which Wonjin had first grabbed Yeongdeok’s arm was nowhere to be found, and as he reverted to his usual self, Yeongdeok considered him an irritating fool but let out a faint, resigned sigh.

“Still, I’ll let you come to my shop as a customer without turning a blind eye.”

Not that it would matter much if I told him not to come, he’d show up anyway.

Since things had come this far, Yeongdeok decided he might as well drain his wallet.

With Yeongdeok’s reluctant approval, Wonjin straightened his previously slumped shoulders and stood tall once again.

“Really? Is that true?”

“I don’t go back on my word.”

“Thank you! I’ll come by often.”

“You don’t have to.”

“I definitely will! By the way…”

Wonjin grabbed the chicken bouquet that Yeongdeok had been holding the entire time.

Their hands touched, and Yeongdeok furrowed his brows in discomfort.

Wonjin, seemingly oblivious or simply not noticing, continued speaking nonchalantly.

“Are you planning to carry that around everywhere?”

“That’s right.”

“I see…”

With Wonjin’s awkward goodbye wishing him to be careful, Yeongdeok left the rooftop, entered the elevator, and headed down.

With no more interruptions, he found Jihoon’s contact information and was just about to call when someone suddenly approached him from behind, wrapping an arm around his shoulders.

Annoyed at the impudence, Yeongdeok turned around with a look on his face that barely contained the harsh words he wanted to say.

Standing there, as brazen as ever, was Seonwoo.

“Baek Seonwoo?”

“I saw you going up with the former secretary. What took you so long to come down?”

From the sound of it, this guy had followed him just like Wonjin.

Yeongdeok thought to himself how irritatingly bothersome they all were.

“I don’t think that’s any of your business.”

“Well, whatever. If you’re heading home, give me a ride.”

Seonwoo smiled lightly at him, suggesting a drive.

Yeongdeok, who thought the party had just started, was curious why Seonwoo was ready to leave so soon.

“You’re leaving already?”

“I never really wanted to be at such a boring party anyway.”

“Boring?”

“It means it’s no fun.”

For some reason, this was one thing they could agree on.

Cha Heeseok’s parties were never any fun.

Nodding in quiet acceptance, Yeongdeok reached the most basic question and frowned.

“But why should I give you a ride?”

“When will you ever get a chance like this again? Come on, let’s go.”

Seonwoo slipped his arm through Yeongdeok’s and tugged him toward the parking lot, his proximity causing Yeongdeok’s sharp brows to twitch.

“Fine, but I’d appreciate it if you gave me some space.”

“Hey, you agreed just now. No takebacks.”

Though Seonwoo seemed pleased by the promise of a ride, his expression stiffened when he saw the large truck parked in the lot.

His eyes narrowed as if he was looking at something absurd.

“If I remember correctly, your car wasn’t a truck last time I saw it.”

“Seems like you’re not happy with it. In that case, why don’t you just take a taxi? Or call a driver.”

“Whatever I take, it’s all the same, so I don’t care.”

Seonwoo stubbornly opened the truck door and climbed into the passenger seat.

How did I end up giving this guy a ride?

Although disgruntled, Yeongdeok placed the chicken bouquet he had been holding onto the empty seat next to him, climbed into the driver’s seat, fastened his seatbelt, and started the engine.

The truck rumbled to life, vibrating slightly inside.

“Never thought I’d ride in Cha Yeongdeok’s car.”

“You talk as if I’m willingly giving you a ride. You forced yourself in.”

“Does it matter?”

Yeongdeok pressed the accelerator, and the truck slowly pulled out of the parking lot and onto the road.

It was the middle of January, dead winter, but Seonwoo rolled the passenger window down slightly.

His white hair fluttered in the cold wind.

“How about you close the window?”

“Oh, come on. It’s been such a stiff day, let me at least enjoy a bit of wind.”

Displeased by Seonwoo acting as if the truck were his own, Yeongdeok focused on driving.

“So, where to?”

He gestured to the navigation system, signaling for Seonwoo to input the address, but Seonwoo, leaning loosely against the window, didn’t move.

“Don’t worry about that. Just drive for a bit.”

“I have no intention of leisurely driving around with you.”

“You sure do talk a lot.”

Annoyed by Seonwoo’s obstinance, Yeongdeok set the destination to his own shop.

Once there, Seonwoo could take a taxi or bus to get home.

Seonwoo sighed in frustration.

“You’re really something. It’s not like I asked for much.”

“It was more than enough.”

“Geez.”

Seonwoo let out a soft laugh through his nose, clearly finding the situation absurd.

Though his tone was one of disbelief, his voice had softened compared to his usual demeanor, barely audible above the sound of the truck’s tires and the wind.

“Still, I kinda liked you today, Cha Yeongdeok.”

“That’s odd. I’ve never liked you.”

“Figures. You’ve always been bothered by me.”

Seonwoo reached out and placed his hand on Yeongdeok’s cheek.

His pale, thin hand felt cold to the touch.

The chill gently brushed across Yeongdeok’s cheek and slowly slipped away.

* * *