IPSTDS Chapter 107

Chapter 107

Kangil’s car stopped in front of a charming café.

“I thought I’d try to relive our first date. And besides, you like places like this.”

Nahyuk suddenly remembered that day.

Kangil hadn’t forgotten a single word Nahyuk had spoken in passing. He had brought to life all the things Nahyuk had wished for. It wasn’t something one could do without great care.

The flowers he had received back then had long since wilted, but the gratitude he had felt that day remained vivid.

“No flowers today?”

“You’re the flower, so why would I need… ugh.”

Kangil faltered mid-sentence, his fine brow crumpling.

He seemed to regret trying to say something lovers would exchange. Nahyuk chuckled and threw his words back at him.

“I’m the flower, so why would you need flowers?”

“My mistake. Let’s pretend I never said that.”

“Why? I already heard it. Flowers… not bad, actually.”

“You don’t mean to say you like that kind of thing?”

Kangil looked startled, as though horrified at the thought of having to repeat such cheesy lines.

“I’m not really into it either, so don’t cringe too much. If you don’t like it, I won’t force it.”

“Feels like I just got hit by Yoon Noah.”

“Enough chatter, let’s get out. I want something cold to drink.”

The moment they stepped out of the car, the blazing sun poured over Nahyuk’s face.

He gazed up quietly at the bright sky.

On such a beautiful day, to be at a place he loved, with someone he loved—it struck him how miraculous that really was.

Back in his original body, even dreaming of something like this had been too heavy a burden.

“What are you standing there for? You said you wanted something cold, come on.”

Instead of holding his hand, Kangil slung an arm casually around his shoulder and led him inside. Up close, he still smelled just as good.

Nahyuk felt happy. Everything seemed wonderful. The misfortune he had tasted that morning no longer lingered in his mind.

He was deeply grateful to Kangil, who had turned his unhappiness into joy.

It was Sunday, so the café was fairly busy. Kangil easily picked out the menu and desserts Nahyuk liked best.

They sat facing each other for a few minutes until the bell rang, and though no one had asked him to, Kangil got up to fetch their drinks.

Watching his retreating back, Nahyuk realized just how many eyes were following him.

Everyone—men and women, young and old—kept glancing at Kangil. One of the staff even blushed while exchanging a few words with him.

Nahyuk strained to catch what they were talking about, wondering what could make someone blush like that, but he couldn’t hear the conversation.

The cheerful mood he’d felt before entering the café began to fade.

Even though he knew Kangil was naturally easygoing and sociable, he couldn’t help but dislike seeing him show kindness to others.

And when Kangil came back to sit across from him with a smile still lingering on his face, Nahyuk liked it even less.

“You must be pretty handsome.”

“Only now realizing that, my dear?”

“Everyone seemed to be staring at you.”

“I’m used to being the center of attention.”

Kangil boasted smugly, and Nahyuk narrowed his eyes at him.

“Noah, but remember this.”

“……”

“Even if everyone looks at me, I only look at you.”

It felt like an extension of the words he had said earlier—if Nahyuk was the flower, why would he need another? Though he normally disliked cheesy lines, this one was worth hearing.

The date that lasted until evening was a success.

Kangil was always kind, but this time he was far more attentive, carefully looking after Nahyuk in every detail. If this wasn’t what it meant to be real lovers, then what was?

It was such ordinary, uneventful moments like this that made him think again. That he wanted to truly love Kangil.

Unaware of these thoughts, Kangil drove him home. For someone known to enjoy nightlife, it was surprisingly early.

As if it were his own house, Kangil naturally washed up and slipped into the oversized clothes Nahyuk had bought.

Everything he did felt so natural that Nahyuk wondered if he had ever asked him to stay the night.

“Did I tell you to sleep over again today?”

Without answering, Kangil lay down beside him, wrapped an arm around his waist, and pulled their bodies close.

The same familiar scent lingered on him, and somehow, that felt strangely enticing.

“Are you planning to kick me out?”

Kangil finally spoke, his voice carrying a smile.

As if he’d leave even if told to.

“Honestly, even if you said so, I wouldn’t go.”

He said it like someone who had read Nahyuk’s thoughts.

“Maybe I should just live here. I don’t even have that much stuff to bring.”

“……”

The reason Nahyuk didn’t immediately say no was because the idea itself tempted him.

“If you don’t answer, I’ll really live here.”

“If that’s what you want, do it. I don’t mind.”

“Our darling’s soft in body and soft in heart. Don’t you know what I might do if I live here?”

Hot breath brushed his neck. Kangil opened his mouth and nipped lightly at the skin—just enough not to hurt.

“Eat me up?”

“Yeah. That’s the plan.”

“If I’m doomed to die, I’d rather be eaten by you than anyone else.”

“……”

For once, Kangil had no reply.

He lifted his face from Nahyuk’s neck and met his eyes. His brow was furrowed, as if he disliked hearing him talk about death.

“I told you not to say things like that.”

“No… I don’t mean I want to die. I mean if I have to, then I’d want it to be at your hands.”

“I wouldn’t go that far. So don’t say things like that.”

His large hand gently stroked Nahyuk’s head.

“Now answer me properly.”

“Of course I want to live too, Kangil.”

But he couldn’t tell him the truth—that his fate might be tied to the original story.

What was strange was the feeling that even if he did confess it, Kangil wouldn’t dismiss it as nonsense. He even felt Kangil would try to understand.

It wasn’t a baseless thought.

After all, Kangil’s interest in Yoon Noah had only begun after Nahyuk possessed this body.

“Did you have fun today? You said you wanted to play.”

Kangil changed the subject.

“I did. If I said it was a memory worth recalling before I die… what would you say?”

“I’d keep telling you off until you stop talking about death.”

“Then let’s talk about something else.”

Nahyuk remembered the topic he hadn’t been able to resolve all day—how to help Daon.

He realized in that moment that he hadn’t told Kangil anything about Seo Dowoong. He had been too busy enjoying their date.

“Kangil, don’t get mad, but I think I told Daon something and not you…”

“You mean Seo Dowoong?”

“Yeah.”

“Go on.”

His reply was calm, without reproach.

Nahyuk confessed briefly about his conversation with Seo Dowoong. Kangil muttered curses about him the entire time.

Since Nahyuk also thought poorly of Seo Dowoong’s behavior, he understood Kangil’s reaction. In fact, he wanted to join in and insult him too.

“Seo Dowoong only shows more of his worst side. I don’t see why I should feel insecure anymore.”

“Insecure about what?”

“About how long you liked him.”

“I’ve told you countless times, you really don’t need to worry about that. If anything, I even used his obsession with me to force him to his knees.”

“So you’ll keep your promise to make him kneel before me?”

“If you want me to.”

“No need. Not anymore.”

“Why?”

“Because back then I wasn’t sure. Now I believe you don’t love Seo Dowoong anymore.”

It was a certainty he had finally won, after many talks and reassurances. Kangil had insisted enough times how much he despised Seo Dowoong.

“Then who should I contact to protect Daon from Park Sangcheol? My mother? Or my grandfather?”

The three-day grace period Park Sangcheol had given would end tomorrow. They had to act before he could harm Kim Daon.

“Noah, aren’t they both people you’re uncomfortable with?”

“They are.”

“Then don’t. Leave it to me.”

“You?”

“I don’t like the idea of helping Kim Daon… but what choice do I have? My softhearted darling wants to help him. Guess I’ll have to give in.”

“……”

“It’s my sin, loving you too much.”

With those sweet words, Kangil pressed his lips to Nahyuk’s cheek. It felt like a kiss that sealed a promise.