UPLB Ch 21
by soapaPutting everything else aside, the biggest problem was that he’d inevitably end up hovering around Yang Juwon. He could already picture himself fuming alone, fixated on Yang Juwon and the student he worked with.
He didn’t used to act this crazy, so why did it turn out like this?
He never blocked people from coming or held onto those leaving, so how did it come to this?
He acknowledged his feelings for him, but it only made his head more complicated.
If he had to pinpoint a reason, it’d be Yang Juwon.
The more time they spent together, the more Yang Juwon seemed like a decent guy. Despite all the talk of breaking up, he’d been holding onto him for months, hadn’t he? No matter how much of a jerk Choi Sungbin was, he stayed by his side calmly. He hugged him, comforted him…
Yang Juwon played a big role in making his personality even worse. Because he accepted it, it got worse. And in the end, he ended up liking him.
If it was this bad for him, how much worse would it be for others? Maybe Yang Juwon’s lack of dating experience was just dumb luck.
‘Try dating someone else. What kind of crazy person would let that guy go?’
Sure, he always nagged about his looks, but honestly, Yang Juwon wasn’t unattractive. In fact, he was on the handsome side. He had a warm charm that any woman wanting a reliable boyfriend would find appealing.
‘Damn… I’m living my life worrying about the people around some guy.’
Just thinking about them flirting again made his blood start to boil. Should he go to the library?
“Sungbin-ah.”
The voice calling him snapped him back to reality. Choi Sungbin, who had been striding down the hall with sharp eyes, stopped in his tracks.
He turned toward the voice. He gave a slight smile, putting on a polite act.
“Professor, hello.”
“You’re here during the break? What’s up?”
It was his major professor, who usually took good care of him. The man had a slightly petty side but was straightforward, which was nice. If you played along, he’d give good grades even if you were a bit lacking, and being a professor, he loved being flattered.
Since he was a heavy drinker, he found it a pity that Choi Sungbin couldn’t handle alcohol well, but there was nothing to be done about it.
“I came to pick up an assignment I submitted. Thank you for the good grade.”
“You did well, what’s there to thank? I try to grade as objectively as possible.”
“Still, thank you.”
At the flattery, the professor rolled his eyes. What’s he up to now? The sound of those rolling eyes practically echoed.
“Do you have a moment? If you’re free, could you help sort some materials?”
Of course. Normally, he’d find a way to slip out, but today he had about an hour to spare. It was better than sitting in a café or waiting aimlessly at home for Yang Juwon to finish. Rather than obsessively keeping an eye on Yang Juwon, it was better to have some simple tasks to do.
There was always next semester, after all.
“Sure, I’m free. I’ll help.”
“Thanks, I appreciate that.”
The professor, walking ahead, opened the department office door. Then, as if it were only natural, he said, “Two coffees, please,” sending the assistant on an errand.
Was the assistant there just to fetch coffee?
What a jerk. Choi Sungbin was dumbfounded but smiled at the professor, who met his eyes again.
📝
I started living alone this week. Been busy, so I’m contacting you now.
I’m free anytime now, so let’s grab a meal sometime.
A message had come from his friend Dongyoung, out of the blue. Come to think of it, this was the first contact since canceling their last plan. Oh. Yang Juwon hesitated, unsure how to reply.
He did want to meet up. But did he need to get Choi Sungbin’s permission for this?
It’s just dinner with a friend—did he really need permission?
He knew Choi Sungbin hated it when he acted on his own without saying anything, but honestly, he didn’t get why it was such a big deal. When he met Youngnan, it was fine to make plans and mention it later.
They didn’t fuss over each other, and since their places were close, it didn’t matter when they met.
“…”
But Choi Sungbin was different from her. He hated it when Yang Juwon did things without permission. They were going to his place today, and bringing it up now would just sour the mood.
Dinner should be fine… right? If he said he wouldn’t drink. Though he probably would.
His head was a mess as he touched the keypad and pulled back.
I’ll check my schedule and get back to you later.
“Oh.”
Just as he sent the reply, his phone screen went black. Yang Juwon pressed the power button hard. The battery, which was at 100 percent, or at least above 90, when he left home, was dead.
It finally gave out. In a world where people changed phones every two or three years, Yang Juwon rarely did. He was still using the phone he bought at 20.
He wasn’t one to follow trends and change a perfectly fine phone, and he was past the age to ask his parents for a new one. It wasn’t cheap, so he had no plans to replace it.
It did overheat a lot, but this was the first time it had shut off.
‘What do I do? Choi Sungbin’s supposed to contact me later.’
Yang Juwon bent down and asked Hayoung, “Do you have a phone charger?”
“Use this one?”
Hayoung handed him a charger. It was different from the one he used.
“Oh, it’s not the right one…”
He waved it off, saying it was fine.
He glanced around the desk aimlessly. Of course, there was no charger. Wondering what to do, he looked back. He knew the librarian used a different model, so borrowing one was awkward.
“Maybe it doesn’t matter…”
He mumbled to himself without realizing. Since he’d agreed to meet Choi Sungbin at the main gate in the morning, he didn’t need to contact him separately. He could just go there first. If he rushed out right after work, Choi Sungbin wouldn’t have to wait.
He felt a bit uneasy but tried to calm himself. He puffed air into his cheeks and looked out the window.
It’d be fine. Their relationship was good enough for Choi Sungbin to take him to his place. Sure, Yang Juwon had asked, not him suggesting it first, but still.
📝
Honestly, professors clearly saw students as either minions or tools to boost their own reputation.
Choi Sungbin gritted his teeth. The professor had made it sound like a small errand, but the workload wasn’t something that could be finished in time.
It wasn’t just organizing materials—it was closer to proofreading, and the problem was having to search and compare every single source.
Dumbfounded, he stared at the professor sitting at the computer. He was looking at the monitor with a serious face. Probably doing something pointless while making him run errands.
Choi Sungbin held a stack of papers, sat still for a moment, then finally spoke.
“Professor.”
“Yeah, what’s up?”
“It doesn’t seem like something we can finish today. I have plans tonight, so I don’t think I can go through everything.”
“Oh… well, then, could you just check the English sources? I’ll have the assistant do the rest. They’d get annoyed if I asked them to do it all.”
If he knew that, why was he sending the assistant for coffee? Choi Sungbin stared at the paper cup on the desk. He wouldn’t touch the coffee the assistant brought. What if they spit in it?
Choi Sungbin nodded in the end.
“I’ll do as much as I can and mark where I leave off.”
“Thanks. It’d be great if Sungbin came to grad school. These days, it’s practically a must, not just for research.”
You jerk, if it’s so great, why don’t you go again?
He almost blurted it out but clamped his lips shut. He looked out the window over the professor’s shoulder.
“Oh…”
He let out a sound without meaning to, and the professor raised an eyebrow.
“It’s raining?”
The professor glanced back and spoke.
“Do you have an umbrella? I can lend you one.”
“No, I brought my car.”
“Oh, good, good. That’s a relief.”
Choi Sungbin pulled his phone from his pocket. Even if he focused now, he wouldn’t make it to Yang Juwon’s finishing time.
If it wasn’t raining, he’d just tell him to wait, but no choice now. Choi Sungbin quickly tapped out a message.
Sunbae, I’m running an errand for the professor, so I’ll be a bit late.
It’s raining, so go home, and I’ll pick you up there.
No reply came, but he figured Yang Juwon was working, so that was understandable. He bit his lip briefly, then stuck out his lower lip. No time to waste—he’d better get to work.
He started searching on the laptop the professor lent him.
📝
“Mr. Juwon, do you have an umbrella?”
At Hayoung’s question, Yang Juwon shook his head. She pursed her lips and pointed out the window with her chin. Yang Juwon turned his head too.
“It’s raining a lot…”
“Where are you headed after?”
“Oh, the main gate.”
Since he was meeting Choi Sungbin at the main gate, the plan hadn’t changed. Choi Sungbin would bring his car, so he wouldn’t get wet. That was a relief.
The library wasn’t far from the main gate—running would get him there quickly. Getting a bit wet wouldn’t hurt, right?
Clearing her throat, Hayoung continued.
“I’ll drop you off on my way. I’m going to the main gate too.”
“It’s okay. I have a meeting, so I’ll just run there.”
“You’re going to get wet?”
“Yeah, it’s not far.”
“It’s pouring. Can’t you ask your friend to pick you up? Oh… your battery’s dead? Want to use my phone?”
He hadn’t memorized Choi Sungbin’s number. Yang Juwon’s cheek twitched slightly.
“It’s fine. I’ll just go wait. I can stand under a roof somewhere.”
As soon as the librarian said, “Let’s wrap up,” Yang Juwon dashed out. He was so rushed he barely said goodbye.
Outside, the rain was coming down harder. He considered buying an umbrella but didn’t have time to hesitate. It was better for him to get wet than for Choi Sungbin to wait. It wasn’t far, so he ran out blindly.
It had been raining for a while, and he was the only one without an umbrella. He held his bag over his head. It didn’t make much difference, but he wanted to get as little wet as possible.
The air smelled of rain. It wasn’t hot, thankfully. His whole body was soaked, so there was no chance of sweating. It didn’t matter. He’d see Choi Sungbin soon.
Yang Juwon ran faster than he ever had in his life and reached the main gate. Thankfully, Choi Sungbin wasn’t there yet. He was glad he didn’t make him wait, but he needed a place to stay dry.
Luckily, there was an information booth near the gate. He headed there for now.
The building was empty. The lights were off. It was called an information booth, but it was no different from a security office.
There was a small space under the roof, and he squeezed under it. When the wind blew, the rain splashed, making the roof useless.
He wiped his cheek and shoulder with his arm. He roughly brushed the rain off his neck and arms with his hand and turned his bag to the front.
Even though his clothes and body were wet and uncomfortable, and the humid air felt heavy, it didn’t matter.
Choi Sungbin would be here soon.
📝
He turned down the professor’s dinner invitation, citing prior plans, and left.
Even skimming through the work, he was thirty minutes past the meeting time. Yang Juwon would’ve finished at six, so he was probably already home.
Looking at the time, it was already time for dinner. It’d probably be better to eat out casually before heading in.
At the parking lot inside the building leading to the ground level, Choi Sungbin stopped and looked outside.
The sky was dark. The rain was pouring endlessly.
The world was dyed gray. It was summer, so the days were long, and it wasn’t dark yet, but today felt especially gloomy.
What a day for it to rain like crap.
As soon as he got in the car, he pulled his phone from his pocket. It was less than ten minutes to his place, so he planned to tell Yang Juwon to pack and wait outside.
He didn’t want to get wet. Yang Juwon was probably home, so it shouldn’t matter.
He called Yang Juwon, whose name was at the top of his call list. He started the car and turned on the AC. The humid day made the heat even more irritating.
—The phone is off and will connect to voicemail…
Instead of a ringtone, a message said the phone was off. Choi Sungbin pulled the phone from his ear and stared at the screen, dumbfounded.
“What the…”
Why was his phone off? Was he sulking because he was late? He knew Yang Juwon wasn’t that kind of guy, but turning off his phone was unexpected.
He’d see him at home anyway, so why turn off the phone?
So childish. He’d told him in advance.
It suddenly reminded him of when he turned off his phone on his birthday. Though he turned it back on soon after.
“…”
Since he’d done it too, he couldn’t say much. Still, he and Yang Juwon were different. He’d asked to be picked up, so was it okay to act like this just because he was a bit late?
“Tch.”
Clicking his tongue, Choi Sungbin put his phone in the cupholder. What a hassle, he thought, grumbling the whole drive. He’d have to say something when they met. Why act so petty?
He didn’t realize something was wrong until he got home.
Choi Sungbin was finally annoyed. If they’d talked earlier, he wouldn’t have had to get wet, but because Yang Juwon turned off his phone, he ended up getting soaked on the way home.
He brushed the water off his shoulders and arms. The already humid air made him even more irritated.
What was he doing? He unlocked the door and stepped inside.
“Oh.”
There was no sign of life in the house. It was pitch dark, with no lights on. It was exactly as it was when he left.
His gaze naturally fell to the umbrella in the corner of the entryway. The old vinyl umbrella had bent spokes and was tattered. Yang Juwon’s shoes and the bag he took when going out were gone.
Shaaa—, the rain grew heavier. The sound of raindrops hitting the ground roared from beyond the door.
Choi Sungbin clamped his mouth shut and stood still. He didn’t even blink.
A sudden bad feeling hit him like a punch to the head.
“No way.”
Unless he was an idiot, no way.
No way.
No way.
No way.
…No way.
He turned and rushed out of the house. The corridor was wet from the blowing rain. He jumped into the car and immediately called again.
As expected, the “phone is off” message played again. He started the car in a hurry. No way. No way.
Choi Sungbin closed his eyes tightly and opened them.
“…”
They say “no way” catches people, and that’s exactly what happened. In all his time at school, he hadn’t even known there was an information booth at the main gate.
Yang Juwon was barely sheltering from the rain under the building’s roof. It was so dark that if he’d been a bit later, he might not have recognized him at a glance.
He stopped the car on the side of the road. He looked at Yang Juwon, standing far off, waiting for him.
When he first met Yang Juwon, he was just annoyed. What kind of guy was this? He used the feelings directed at him. Honestly, he was just a convenient tool, nothing more, nothing less.
But at some point, Yang Juwon started creeping in. Slowly, but deeply. When he realized he was relying on him, he just thought he was screwed.
He’s a guy. Just a guy.
Even acknowledging that he liked him, it was still frustrating and annoying. He got easily hurt over small things, and when Yang Juwon didn’t pay attention to him, it felt absolutely awful.
“So stupid.”
Choi Sungbin muttered to himself. Among all the emotions he’d directed at Yang Juwon, this was a first.
Seeing him barely avoiding the rain under the roof, looking like a drowned rat, his heart clenched. He felt pity, sympathy. He felt so sorry he could go crazy.
It was suffocating, and he was getting irritated.
Why didn’t he keep his phone on? Even if there was a reason to turn it off, why wait? If he wasn’t coming, he should’ve gone home. If he was going to wait, he should’ve bought an umbrella or gone to a café.
Another gust of wind blew. Yang Juwon stepped back to avoid the rain. But he was trapped against the wall, unable to move. He brushed the water off his bag and wiped his cheek and neck.
“Damn…”
Choi Sungbin finally ran out. He didn’t care if he got wet.
He ran straight to Yang Juwon. He didn’t know why he had to get wet because of him. It was uncomfortable, and he hated it. He didn’t know why he had to feel these emotions because of Yang Juwon.
Why, because of him…
What was so special about this guy?
Feeling his presence, Yang Juwon’s eyes widened. With the rain pouring like this, he really was an idiot.
Choi Sungbin reached out and pulled him.
He was really screwed… To think he’d feel so sorry and pitiful for Yang Juwon that it drove him crazy.
He opened the passenger door and shoved him in. Breathing heavily, Choi Sungbin climbed into the driver’s seat.
“I’m soaked.”
Yang Juwon sat awkwardly, hunched over. Was being wet the issue right now? Choi Sungbin felt like he might snap.
He barely swallowed his irritation.
“What are you doing right now? Can’t you see it’s raining?”
“Why were you late?”
Yang Juwon asked in a small, almost shrinking voice. He was the one soaked from the rain, yet Choi Sungbin was the one trembling.
“I texted you. I got held up by the professor, so I said I’d be late.”
Even his voice trembled as he spoke. He clenched his jaw to calm himself. His lips kept twitching, and he ended up biting his lower lip hard.
Yang Juwon pulled his phone from the front pocket of his bag. He pressed the power button several times, but it wouldn’t turn on. Choi Sungbin snapped in a heated tone.
“Is your phone broken?”
“It just turned off suddenly.”
“You could’ve borrowed a charger. Can’t you ask people? When you’re all giggling together?”
“It’s a different model.”
“Then borrow someone’s phone!”
“I didn’t memorize your number.”
Ha, he let out a hollow breath. Yang Juwon was right.
Who memorizes numbers these days? In a world where a few finger taps can connect you anywhere.
Choi Sungbin bit his lip. But he had memorized Yang Juwon’s number. He couldn’t not know it. Yang Juwon was the only person he contacted.
His chest felt tight. He knew Yang Juwon used an old phone. That’s why things ended up like this. You should replace it when it’s time. Who clings to old stuff like that?
“If your phone’s old, just get a new one. Who’s so stubborn… Don’t you have money?”
“…”
He didn’t have any. Choi Sungbin knew that, but still. He bit his lip hard out of frustration.
It’s suffocating. It’s annoying. It’s so annoying he could go crazy.
He bit and released his lip, tormenting it under the rush of emotions. Yang Juwon lowered his head, gauging his reaction. Once the anger started, it poured out endlessly.
“Or are you deliberately trying to mess with me? Why do you act so stupid? If your phone doesn’t work, go to a café and borrow a charger.”
“I was worried you’d be waiting.”
“You were standing there like an idiot because you thought I’d be waiting? In the pouring rain?”
Yang Juwon didn’t answer. Strangely, the angrier Choi Sungbin got, the more it hurt him. Was he actually mad at himself?
He knew the phone was off, so he could’ve just gone by the main gate. He might’ve spotted Yang Juwon standing there by chance.
If he’d been a bit faster. If he’d made him wait less.
He was such a pathetic person. Worrying would’ve been enough, but he couldn’t hold back and lashed out.
“Why didn’t you buy an umbrella? Was that about saving money too?”
“…I thought you’d come soon.”
“I didn’t come soon. Didn’t you think about what to do next?”
“I was going to wait an hour and then leave.”
Choi Sungbin checked the time. He felt like crying, so he kept biting and tormenting his lip.
Why wait an hour? For what?
The smell of rain came off the man. Thinking of Yang Juwon waiting for him without a phone made him upset.
“Why, sunbae!”
Why do you always act so stupid? Can’t you think a little? He was about to snap but trailed off.
He felt deflated. He was upset. Upset and annoyed. Upset and frustrated. Upset…
In truth, he was mad at himself. Annoyed at himself, frustrated with himself.
It was like he was taking it out on Yang Juwon. Realizing that, he couldn’t say anything.
Yang Juwon was wetter than he’d thought. His dark clothes hid it, but a drop of water slid down his temple.
The cold air from the AC made him shiver.
Choi Sungbin turned off the AC. He opened the glove box and pulled out a blanket he kept there. He tossed it to Yang Juwon.
“Wrap it around you. It’s cold.”
Yang Juwon held the blanket and stared before asking.
“You brought a blanket?”
Choi Sungbin clamped his mouth shut. The blanket was always there. The passenger seat was usually for women, who’d cover their legs when wearing revealing clothes.
He could’ve said he brought it for Yang Juwon, but the words wouldn’t come. Yang Juwon didn’t seem to be asking for a touching reason either.
Yang Juwon probably knew. That’s why he didn’t touch on it easily.
“Don’t look at me like that, just wrap it around you. It’s better than being cold.”
“We’re going home soon anyway.”
“We’re going to my place, remember?”
“…”
“Don’t you want to go?”
Yang Juwon was the same as always, but Choi Sungbin felt worse. Watching his pitiful state, a sigh slipped out.
He finally wiped the water off with the blanket. They needed to leave, but Choi Sungbin’s emotions were too turbulent to calm down. Yang Juwon was frustrating, pitiful, and sympathetic, yet he was still annoyed.
Choi Sungbin buried his head in the steering wheel. He exhaled heavily.
“No.”
He slowly sat up.
“I really don’t get it, but why didn’t you go to a café? It’s way better than standing in the rain.”
“…”
“Would I get mad if you went to a café to contact me? In this weather?”
Yang Juwon stayed silent again. Choi Sungbin felt the strength drain from his body. Normally, he would’ve gotten mad. He might’ve just gone home. Because he usually acted like a jerk, Yang Juwon was out there, soaked and shivering, and that thought choked him.
Yang Juwon, hesitantly placing the blanket on his lap, stayed quiet.
He was agreeing, right? Because of everything Choi Sungbin had done.
He felt deflated. What had he been doing with his life?
📝
He never thought the day would turn out like this. Choi Sungbin sat on the sofa, looking out the window. The rain only got heavier, showing no signs of letting up.
It was his first time home in a while, and he’d brought Yang Juwon, but his mood kept sinking. He wasn’t happy at all. Not excited either. Just a few hours ago, he’d been thinking about what to eat with Yang Juwon, but now he was just exhausted.
If they’d dated normally, Yang Juwon wouldn’t have been standing in the rain like that. He wouldn’t have been stupidly waiting for him in the downpour.
The sound of dripping water from beyond the door stopped. Rustling came from inside, and the bathroom door opened.
“…Choi Sungbin.”
At the calm voice, Choi Sungbin stood up. Why was Yang Juwon hiding behind the door, only poking his head out, like he was embarrassed?
“I don’t have clothes.”
“Wait.”
Choi Sungbin went to his room, rummaged through the closet, and grabbed unopened underwear and casual loungewear he wore at home.
He handed them to Yang Juwon, who said, “Thanks,” and went back inside. The sound of a hairdryer, the rustle of opening underwear packaging, and busy noises came from within before the door opened again.
Yang Juwon stood there awkwardly. His build was decent, so the size fit fine.
Choi Sungbin watched him quietly before speaking.
“I didn’t wash the clothes because I don’t know how to use the washing machine.”
“Oh. I’ll do it. Where is it?”
“Do you know how to use a dryer? The housekeeper will come tomorrow and do it.”
Honestly, he hadn’t done much housework. He could handle simple dishes or cleaning, but laundry was left to the housekeeper or hotels where he stayed.
He’d spent a lot of time at Yang Juwon’s place, but all the chores were Yang Juwon’s responsibility. From simple cleaning to dishes, cooking, and taking out the trash—everything. He thought maybe he should’ve learned how to use the washing machine, but he was already used to this lifestyle.
The housekeeper, who came regularly, had been with him since he first moved out. He wasn’t the type to micromanage or obsess over giving orders, so they got along well enough. And what reason was there to bother a middle-aged woman?
“If you wash and air-dry it.”
“Just ask the housekeeper tomorrow.”
“Then what do I wear tomorrow?”
Yang Juwon had to go to his campus job tomorrow. Choi Sungbin gestured. Yang Juwon, standing at a distance, approached with clumsy steps.
Choi Sungbin wrapped his hand around his thigh and pulled him closer. His upper body followed a beat later. Seeing the stiff man made him a bit annoyed, but he held it in.
“Do you have to go every single day?”
“Not really.”
“Then do you have to go tomorrow?”
“It’s better to give a few days’ notice. And during the break, there’s not much to do, so it’s good to work during that time.”
Uh-huh, so you’re saying you have nothing to do while living with your boyfriend.
While everyone else is traveling or on vacation, I’m supposed to be stuck in a dim studio waiting for Yang Juwon.
Uh-huh, got it.
“Got it.”
There were plenty of things he wanted to nitpick, but today he held back. He had to. He gave an awkward smile.
Was he smiling because Yang Juwon was shyly smiling? He barely held back from picking a fight. If it weren’t for that damn rain.
Choi Sungbin looked out the window. The rain was getting heavier.
“Aren’t you cold?”
“Why would I be cold?”
“…”
You were in the rain. He looked sturdy enough not to catch a cold. That was good.
If he were some frail guy acting weak, it’d be even worse to look at. He was healthy in body and mind.
Choi Sungbin knew that. So why was he so upset? Yang Juwon was so sturdy and solid.
He thought he knew why. A dog raised in a warm home with good food wasn’t as concerning as one tied up in a yard. For no reason, it felt pitiful and kept drawing his attention.
He reached out. He sat Yang Juwon next to him. Yang Juwon quietly blinked slowly.
So unattractive. Really pathetic.
When he didn’t dress up, it annoyed Choi Sungbin, but if he dressed well and went out, it made his chest ache.
What could he do? That’s how feelings worked.
Choi Sungbin placed his hand over Yang Juwon’s. As he gently patted it, Yang Juwon pursed his lower lip. Shouldn’t he be thrilled when his boyfriend touches him? What’s with that reaction?
Irritation started to build, but he knew today wasn’t the time to get mad. He should apologize, at least for today.
But the words wouldn’t come easily. It would’ve been easier to apologize in the car earlier; now it was harder.
Some time had passed, and honestly, Yang Juwon seemed fine. He was as calm as ever. He didn’t seem to realize that made him look more pitiful.
Choi Sungbin pursed his lips and relaxed them. He quickly licked his lips with his tongue. He exhaled heavily.
Apologize. Just apologize. What’s so hard about it?
“Wait a sec.”
As he was steeling himself, Yang Juwon stood up. Choi Sungbin looked at him with a sour expression. Didn’t he feel the mood was different from usual?
Couldn’t he tell Choi Sungbin was preparing to say something? Was he that clueless? As thoughts swirled, Yang Juwon crouched in the corner of the living room, checking his phone plugged into the charger.
“Oh, it’s fully charged.”
Right. That was the culprit. That’s why everything got messed up.
Choi Sungbin watched Yang Juwon’s back with cold eyes before looking away. He fiddled with his own phone. So frustrating he could hardly stand it.
Ugh, so pathetic. The first time is hard, but it’ll keep turning off and on from now on.
He ordered a new model, to be delivered tomorrow. He decided not to mention it. If he did, Yang Juwon would just complain about money.
“No plans to get a new phone? Isn’t it broken?”
“I think it’s just the battery. It’s working now.”
He’d probably ask to be buried with it. What a frustrating guy.
It’d be better if Yang Juwon were greedy or money-hungry. It’d be nice if he whined for things to be bought.
Instead of rolling his eyes like Choi Sungbin was some loan shark when money came up.
“Yeah, doesn’t seem broken.”
“Right.”
“Oh, I actually got a message.”
“Okay.”
“Would’ve been nice to check it earlier.”
“I get it, okay.”
Why was he so talkative today? It wasn’t that he couldn’t read the room—he didn’t even seem to try. Going to check his phone while they were talking—what kind of sense was that?
As Choi Sungbin chewed his lips, Yang Juwon, noticing the silence, turned around. As if reading his expression, his eyes widened, and he came back to sit down. The irritation softened a bit.
“Seemed like you had something to say.”
“Yeah. I do.”
“What?”
Asking now, of all times. But Choi Sungbin nodded and muttered in a small voice.
“I’ll say it once.”
Since he decided to say it, he would. Yang Juwon looked up, waiting for him to continue.
Damn… It hurt his pride. Why did it feel like he was losing? Choi Sungbin felt like he was burning inside.
If you think about it, charging the phone was Yang Juwon’s responsibility, so why did he feel guilty? He bit and released his lip, tormenting it.
Then, Yang Juwon reached out and cupped his cheek.
“Don’t bite your lip. It’s bleeding.”
Oh. Choi Sungbin touched his lip. It was already bleeding. The metallic taste of blood rolled over his tongue.
“I, uh, well.”
“Yeah.”
He pursed his lips. A small wrinkle formed under his chin. He stuck out his tongue again to lick his lips and exhaled long.
“I’m sorry.”
“…For what?”
“For, you know, today, making you wait.”
“It’s because I didn’t charge my phone.”
“Still. If I hadn’t been so harsh usually, you could’ve gone home. Or, you know, to a café. Standing in the pouring rain like that didn’t look good.”
“You were sorry?”
“Yeah, I said I was sorry. What, did you think I wouldn’t apologize?”
Choi Sungbin snapped back, feeling defensive.
When he glared at the man, Yang Juwon was holding back a laugh. What? As he muttered to himself, Yang Juwon finally let out a “pfft” and burst out laughing.
“Haha…”
Yang Juwon laughed softly. What’s so funny? Choi Sungbin pouted and stared at him.
His calm smile was somehow annoying, but he couldn’t pick a fight like usual. Why did he feel so weak around Yang Juwon? Shouldn’t it be the other way around?
No matter how he felt, since Yang Juwon liked him more, he should be the one catering to him. Not Choi Sungbin reading his mood—Yang Juwon should be doing everything.
He wished he’d read his emotions without being told and do everything. So he wouldn’t feel hurt. But he also hated feeling guilty, so he wished Yang Juwon would just handle it all…
“Sorry?”
“I said I was sorry.”
“Then…”
Then?
“Can I meet a friend next week? For dinner. Probably drinking.”
Wow, what a guy. Jumping on the chance like that. Choi Sungbin let out a groan. Shouldn’t have apologized.
He wanted to scowl but held back, his face twitching. He swallowed a bitter breath.
“Huh?”
Yang Juwon acted cute. Looking up like that didn’t mean he’d look cute. It was gross.
Normally, he’d have said no way and raised his voice, but today was different, so he held back. He endured. His hand clenched into a fist. He forced a smile.
“…Sure. Once in a while, you can meet friends.”
Yang Juwon smiled again.
“Thanks.”
At his response, Choi Sungbin forced his eyes to curve. What a jerk. Anger boiled inside.
📝
Honestly, whether at Yang Juwon’s place or here, there was nothing to do. For dinner, they ordered burgers. Choi Sungbin didn’t feel like eating anything specific, so he ordered a bulgogi burger, but Yang Juwon’s looked tastier, so they swapped.