BITM Ch9

“Not at all,” Jin said, finishing his words as he raised his hand to order another bottle of soju. Han Naeyung quietly watched as Jin opened the fresh bottle.

“Prosecutor, do you know this?” Han Naeyung began, gazing blankly at the pouring stream of soju.

“Beside Dike, the goddess of justice, there’s always Nemesis, the goddess of vengeance.”

“Are you saying justice and revenge are two sides of the same coin?”

“Who knows… It’s just mythology. People interpret it however they want.”

“Do you believe in gods, Dr. Han?”

Han Naeyung clutched his glass tightly. Perhaps it was the emptiness in his stomach or the weighty topic, but the alcohol hit harder than usual, leaving his head heavy.

“Gods exist, I suppose. They’re just not on my side.”

That was enough. He repeated this to himself, trying to draw a line.

Jin, sensing the limit, didn’t press further. For a while, the two sat in silence, emptying their glasses amidst the noisy chatter of others. The new dish, just like the last time, tasted fine. Suddenly, Jin clenched and unclenched his fists.

“This is really warm,” he muttered. “I should switch to thinner gloves too.”

“They sell them at the supermarket. Cheap ones…” Han Naeyung replied, realizing too late how trivial the information was. Jin had started wearing gloves as a consideration for Han Naeyung, and now he felt as though he’d dismissed the gesture as ordinary. Embarrassed, he fell silent. Jin, amused, glanced at the growing pile of empty bottles.

“You can really hold your drink, you know.”

“It’s not that strong.”

“Yet you look completely fine.”

“I’m just… enduring.”

Was this a special occasion? Jin wondered, recalling the “Closed” sign at Han Naeyung’s workplace earlier.

“For what?”

“…”

Han Naeyung lowered his gaze. When he spoke, it was slow and subdued, like a whisper slipping through the cracks.

“To stay alive.”

The words hit Jin like shards of glass cutting through his veins, piercing his heart.

Han Naeyung had always been unnervingly pale, almost translucent, like Ophelia in the morgue. Though he wore white gloves to maintain a distance from others, he wasn’t entirely cold. When he first suggested drinking together, Jin was surprised. He had seemed so ordinary.

Jin’s perception of Han Naeyung had never felt cold because Jin wasn’t a masochist—it wasn’t some twisted attraction. Instead, it was something deeper, something that reminded Jin of himself. He tapped his cigarette pack against the table before taking one out.

“I’ll head to the convenience store,” Jin announced, rising from his seat and pulling on his coat as he stepped outside. Snow was falling now, blanketing the ground in white. The flakes grew larger, heavier as if signaling the onset of a proper snowfall.

At the store, Jin bought cigarettes with a card, though he could have paid in cash. Pocketing his purchase, he crushed the empty cigarette pack and tossed it into an open trash bin. His breath mingled with the smoke from his cigarette in the chilly air.

The first time Jin earned money was right after his college entrance exams. He had taken a part-time job managing a study hall, cleaning and overseeing the space in exchange for free use of the facility. The pay was meager—just 300,000 won a month.

After receiving his first paycheck, Jin went straight to the bank to exchange it for 1,000-won bills. Back home, he laid them all out on the floor, staring at the modest sum with a hollow laugh.

Once, Jin hadn’t even had 3,000 won to his name. It was such a small amount, yet no one had offered to lend him a hand. Desperate, he’d stolen money for the first time in his life to buy medicine and fled through the snow. He remembered how the falling snow seemed almost cruel in its persistence.

Jin exhaled smoke and turned toward the makeshift tent of the pojangmacha. His shoulders and hair were dusted with white snowflakes. It hit him then—why he had been drawn to Han Naeyung.

It was like when he’d impulsively adopted Nari. Though wary and sharp at first, she softened when approached gently a second time. By the third, she allowed herself to be touched. Jin had no interest in taming anyone, but Han Naeyung reminded him of his younger self. The feeling stirred up something raw, something resembling the ache of his first love.

“Snow’s falling,” Jin remarked as he re-entered the pojangmacha.

Han Naeyung’s gaze drifted toward the semi-transparent tarp, watching the snowfall outside.

“Should we head out before it piles up?”

“There’s still some left,” Han Naeyung said, pointing to the soju bottle with just enough for two more glasses. Jin poured the remaining soju into their glasses, quickly downing both.

Shrugging off the snow from his shoulders, Jin watched as Han Naeyung buttoned his coat up to his neck. Jin rose to settle the bill, but Han Naeyung stopped him.

“I already paid.”

He had done so while Jin was at the convenience store. Jin scratched his eyebrow with his gloved hand, looking slightly embarrassed.

“Next time, it’s on me.”

“Sure.”

Han Naeyung didn’t argue. They stepped outside together, the snow crunching softly beneath their feet. Despite the amount of soju they had drunk, their steps remained steady, leaving even, parallel tracks in the snow.

“Dr. Han,” Jin called.

“Yes?”

Han Naeyung turned his head, and snowflakes brushed against his lips. The chill felt strangely refreshing.

“Shall we hold hands?” Jin asked, pulling a hand from his pocket to offer it. Han Naeyung lowered his head and simply shook it.

“I… don’t want to.”

“Don’t you need a support? Dr. Han, there’s someone here who could make life a bit easier for you.”

Han Naeyung let out a faint chuckle.

“You don’t even know… why I’m holding on.”

“I do. To live.”

Han Naeyung stopped in his tracks. When he raised his head, his long lashes caught and shed the falling snow repeatedly. The snow beneath their feet had gradually turned a soft orange. Ahead, pristine white snow lay untouched by anyone.

The narrow alleyway was secluded, barely traveled even during the day. Yet, under the glow of the streetlamp, it seemed brighter now than daylight. Despite the suffocating darkness surrounding them, it felt illuminated by that single lamp.

“Prosecutor Jin.”

“Speak.”

“If it’s just curiosity that draws you closer…”

“I already said it’s because I find you beautiful.”

“There are… plenty of beautiful people.”

“My preferences are consistent. Quiet, strikingly handsome, and shy around strangers. Exactly like you, Doctor.”

“…”

Han Naeyung exhaled a sigh that was almost inaudible, then resumed walking on the snow. Perhaps because the expanse of snow was so evenly spread, or because everything was bathed in orange light, his steps briefly wavered. It was a slight stumble, one not significant enough to need support.

“Are you drunk?”

“I am not.”

“Your face is red.”

“It’s just the alcohol…”

Jin chuckled, calling him unexpectedly bold.

“What do you think about me?”

“…You don’t seem drunk.”

Still looking at the ground, Han Naeyung answered. Jin suddenly stepped in front of him, leaning in closer.

“How do you know without looking?”

Crunch. Han Naeyung stepped back, but Jin closed the gap with a single stride. As Han Naeyung continued to stare at the ground, Jin tilted his head, peering up at him from below. His hands stayed in his pockets.

“What do I look like to you?”

Han Naeyung swallowed hard. He could feel how close Jin was. He tried to step back again, but his body wouldn’t budge. Yet, there was no sense of rejection. Jin’s lips parted slightly, releasing soft white breaths that carried a nostalgic scent.

“Are you… very drunk?”

Jin smiled faintly at the question, his breath warm against the chill of the night.

“If you say so, then sure, let’s go with that.”

Taking advantage of the label, Jin closed the distance further. If Han Naeyung were to push him away or retreat, Jin had no intention of forcing himself.

“How about this distance? Is it okay?”

Han Naeyung raised his head slowly. They were so close now that just a small tilt of the head would bring their lips together.

“And this close?”

Their lips were nearly brushing.

Han Naeyung was overwhelmed. Jin’s gentle breath was too tender, leaving him unable to step back. It felt as though his feet were tied. Very faintly, he nodded. In that moment, Jin’s lips pressed against his, soft yet purposeful. Snow settled and melted on their damp lips, and even the fine hairs on their skin tingled. Jin pressed gently on Han Naeyung’s upper lip.

Han Naeyung’s eyes widened with surprise, but when he didn’t pull away, Jin grew bolder. He pressed deeper, lingering, leaving a trail from the corner of his lips to his upper lip.

Han Naeyung clenched his hands inside his pockets. When he tried to lower his head in confusion, Jin’s lips lifted his chin back up.

“Do you dislike this?”

Jin met his gaze directly as he asked. Han Naeyung’s lips, hot from the kiss, gradually cooled. Jin’s nervousness was evident despite his daring move. Snowflakes bathed in the streetlamp’s light landed on his skin and instantly melted.

Han Naeyung couldn’t respond. He looked at Jin with an unsteady gaze, his mind recalling the times he had inadvertently waited for him. He even remembered the slight disappointment he felt when Jin didn’t come. Jin was different from others. The warmth of his breath and touch melted away all of Han Naeyung’s resistance.

“If you don’t say anything, I’ll kiss you again. This time, with my tongue.”

“I… don’t want that.”

“Is it because you don’t want me to touch you?”

“…”

Han Naeyung pressed his lips tightly together. His eyelids fluttered as if trying to hide his inner turmoil. Then, almost as if admitting defeat, he muttered a trembling confession.

“It’s… the opposite.”

At those words, Jin’s lips clashed against his with urgency. Jin gripped his wrists tightly as he deepened the kiss. His tongue teased and coaxed, tender yet firm. After tasting his lips, Jin bit down softly, sucking on them in a way that left them tingling.

“Mmnh.”

The intensity of the kiss left Han Naeyung momentarily breathless. As he tried to pull away, Jin quickly followed, pulling him even closer by his wrists. Jin’s kiss was both gentle and fierce, leaving Han Naeyung staring helplessly at his damp cheek.

Han Naeyung’s parted lips accepted Jin’s persistence without resistance. The sensation of their tongues entwined was scorching, sending shivers through him in a way he had never felt before. Jin’s breath still carried a subtle sweetness that lingered.

Han Naeyung glanced up at the streetlamp in desperation, but finally closed his eyes tightly. His trembling hands clung to Jin’s coat. Jin didn’t miss the opportunity, wrapping his arms around Han Naeyung’s waist. Han Naeyung’s hands trembled as they clutched the fabric.

“Hah, are you cold?”

Jin whispered close to his lips. The hand that had risen to his neck pulled up the hood attached to his coat. Then, he pressed his lips firmly. Warm, moist heat lingered between them.

Prosecutor… Prosecutor Jin. Han Naeyung murmured as he received his kiss. Before he knew it, his lips felt numb. It was because Jin had bitten and licked them several times. Jin finally pulled away at Han Naeyung’s call. Haah, white breath escaped from under the black hood.

“The kiss…”

Han Naeyung paused to catch his breath, his lips redder than usual.

“The kiss…”

This time, Jin slowly repeated Han Naeyung’s words, urging him to continue.

“Is it always like this…?”

Han Naeyung’s eyes were filled with complexity. Under the hood, Jin’s small face was filled with confusion.

Approaching Han Naeyung was like an adventure for Jin. But when Han Naeyung willingly accepted him, Jin momentarily lost his reason and rushed in. Jin blamed himself internally for his aggressive behavior.

However, suddenly, Han Naeyung pressed his lips with his hand. It was as if he was reacting to how good the kiss felt. Hearing that he was special, Jin couldn’t hold back any longer. He kissed him again.

“Sex would be even more amazing.”

Han Naeyung shivered. Jin awkwardly excused himself.

“That joke was a bit much.”

Han Naeyung looked at the streetlight behind Jin. No matter how high he turned up the room temperature, the empty bed never felt warm. No blanket could make him feel cozy. Whenever fabric touched his skin, he felt a sharp pain, as if he were being pricked by a porcupine’s quills.

His lips burned. Han Naeyung, still wearing gloves, touched his lips. He couldn’t feel anything through the thin fabric, but Jin’s cheek, which had briefly touched his, was definitely warm.

Warm light also fell on Jin’s face. For the first time, Han Naeyung felt warmth from the streetlight. He realized that there was fire in his world, which had only known extreme cold.

His heart had stopped beating since the moment he lost half of it. But the man in front of him had a strongly beating heart. This made him greedy. He wanted to touch the beating heart with his frozen hands, grasp the fire, and feel the burning heat.

He wanted to remember the sensations of his body, which he hadn’t felt since losing half of it. If he could experience it in any way…

“Can you sleep without touching me…?”

Jin couldn’t believe his ears.

“Are you really drunk?”

He had drunk more than usual. As Jin said, he must have been half out of his mind. Han Naeyung, who had come to his senses, pressed the hood down further and put his hands back in his pockets.

“I guess so.”

His voice was so soft it could have been buried in the snow. It was like stepping on fresh snow.

“Dr. Han.”

Jin called him seriously.

“I’m not saintly enough to set a table and then clear it away.”

Before Han Naeyung could understand his meaning, Jin continued,

“Let’s calm down first. It’s been chaotic for a while.”

His gaze briefly lowered to Han Naeyung’s lower body and then rose again.

“Here?”

Jin asked Han Naeyung as he lowered the blinds of the veterinary clinic. Han Naeyung turned around and nodded. The alcohol had already spread throughout his body. If he relaxed, he might stumble or even slur his words. But both of them were still pretending to be calm.

“Do you have something hidden at home?”

“Yes.”

Jin took off his coat and sat on the sofa.

“I might need to conduct a house search.”

“Bring a warrant.”

Han Naeyung, who had replied calmly, stood still in front of the sofa. His face was expressionless, but he seemed unsure of what to do.

“Come here.”

Jin, sitting down, pointed to his lap. Han Naeyung frowned slightly.

“I won’t touch you.”

Han Naeyung, who had been looking down at the floor, climbed onto Jin’s lap. Jin was more surprised by Han Naeyung’s unexpected action. Han Naeyung sat still with his knees up. Jin asked him,

“Do you have any lotion or something?”

Han Naeyung thought for a moment and reached out to the sofa where Jin was sitting. He handed Jin a round tube of gel.

“This is…”

“It’s animal massage gel… It’s also harmless to humans.”

When Jin opened the lid, the scent was pleasant. The viscosity was similar to lube. Jin unbuckled his belt without taking off his gloves. Han Naeyung, sitting on top of him, felt a moment of dizziness and grabbed the top of the sofa. Jin took his hand and removed the glove.

With a look that seemed to say, “It’s okay if I keep mine on, right?” Jin squeezed a generous amount of gel onto Han Naeyung’s hand. He pressed their hands together, mixing the gel like cream. Han Naeyung held his hands, covered in the sticky gel, not knowing what to do.

Jin pulled down Han Naeyung’s pants. Soon, his lower body was naked, leaving him in just his shirt. The room was warm from the heater and the alcohol, so he didn’t feel cold. Still, he didn’t take off his socks. Or rather, he couldn’t. Not with his hands so sticky.

Jin also applied gel over his gloves. He unbuckled his belt and took out his erect member from his briefs. He smeared gel all over his half-erect member. He frowned several times, seemingly disliking the feeling of the gloves. Han Naeyung still held his hands up, not moving.

“What are you doing?”

Every time Jin moved his hand, his member grew even larger.

“You said not to touch, so you have to do it yourself.”

Han Naeyung stared at Jin’s member. He felt no repulsion. He looked down at his own, still hidden by his shirt. It was still calm. Han Naeyung, like Jin, wrapped his hand around his own member.

The wet gel and the friction of his palm made him shiver. Biting his lip slightly, the sight of his wet hand moving was enough to arouse anyone watching. Jin held back his hand, which was about to reach out, with all his willpower.

Even with gloves on, Han Naeyung wouldn’t allow him to touch his intimate areas. Han Naeyung spread the remaining gel all over his member and his butt. Then, he positioned himself over Jin’s member.

“If you don’t relax, it’ll hurt, ugh.”

Just as Jin urgently spoke, Han Naeyung sat down on Jin’s member. Forcing the thickest part through, Han Naeyung bit his lip hard. His trembling body was enduring immense pain.

Jin also groaned at the pressure squeezing him below. Han Naeyung’s eyes and cheeks were red. The mix of pain and vitality on Han Naeyung’s face was something Jin had never seen before.

As Han Naeyung tried to lower his hips to endure the pain, Jin quickly grabbed his waist.

“Ah…”

“I’ll just touch you a little, tell me if it’s uncomfortable.”

Jin reached his hand around to the back and traced the rim with his gel-covered glove. He spread the remaining gel all over the stretched area. As soon as he added more gel, Jin strongly gripped Han Naeyung’s waist again as he tried to sit down.

“Dr. Han.”

Even his frowning face was beautiful. Jin brought his lips close, avoiding as much body contact as possible. He gently licked Han Naeyung’s tightly closed lips with his tongue.

“I’m not doing this just for my own pleasure. We should both feel good.”

Han Naeyung opened his lips, looking puzzled.

“…Is that strange?”

It was as if he was saying that sex was supposed to be like this, and he didn’t see what the problem was. Jin was internally furious at whoever Han Naeyung had been with, but he didn’t show it. He didn’t want to show his rough side to Han Naeyung.

Jin licked Han Naeyung’s swollen lips and slowly inserted his tongue into his slightly open mouth. His tongue tickled the roof of the mouth and then swept across the inside of the cheek. When it touched the roof of the mouth again, Han Naeyung’s body trembled. It felt like heat was pooling in his lower abdomen.

He relaxed and then tensed repeatedly. His insides, which were holding Jin’s member, also trembled. When Jin thrust his hips, the shaft went in halfway. A burning heat spread from where they were connected. Even though Jin was supporting his waist, it was too much, and he ended up sitting down.

“Huh…”

The large shaft filled his insides and found its place. Han Naeyung instinctively hugged his stomach. The stretched insides had to get used to Jin’s member. Jin gritted his teeth, holding back his impulses.

“If I move, I think I’ll go crazy.”

Han Naeyung reached back and grabbed Jin’s firm thigh. The rough fabric of the suit touched his palm. Han Naeyung lifted his hips and slowly lowered them, moaning. The shaft was too hard, and every time he sat down, his insides were poked.

Every time that happened, he let out a short breath. Han Naeyung opened his eyes slightly and looked at Jin. It was as if he was confirming that the person he was having sex with was Jin.

Jin looked at the heaving chest in front of him. The static electricity made the shirt stick to his body, revealing his erect nipples. Jin leaned in and bit the nipple through the shirt. Han Naeyung suddenly tightened below. Jin couldn’t hold back any longer.

“I was trying not to touch you, but…”

Jin quickly turned Han Naeyung over and laid him on the sofa. As the member moved urgently inside, Han Naeyung gritted his teeth. Jin spread his arms wide to support himself on the sofa.

“Can I move?”

Jin’s neck and arms were tense with restrained excitement. Han Naeyung, still hugging his stomach, nodded slightly. At the same time, the wet sounds of the member going in and out filled the air continuously.

“Ah! Ah! Huh… It’s… painful.”

Han Naeyung covered his mouth with the back of his hand at the rough thrusts. Thud! Jin buried his member deep inside and slowly rotated his hips. Han Naeyung let out a desperate moan. Jin leaned in and whispered to him.

“I can touch you.”

With that, he thrust his hips vigorously. Han Naeyung’s hand dug into Jin’s suit. Soon, his hand reached Jin’s thin shirt. It was near his heart. He could feel the rapid, rough heartbeat.

Han Naeyung gripped the shirt tightly. His thighs trembled as the shaft repeatedly rubbed and thrust against a certain spot. Jin hooked Han Naeyung’s trembling thigh over his shoulder. This caused the hand gripping near his heart to fall away. Too rough, too rough. Han Naeyung muttered and grabbed Jin’s arm. Again, Jin’s warmth seeped through the shirt.

The painful memories that usually haunted him every night couldn’t intrude today. With their bodies pressed together, there was no room for other thoughts. He just clung to Jin, lost in a mix of pleasure and sharp pain.

Jin, still wearing his leather gloves, grabbed below. The foreign feel of the leather made his body tremble. Drops of water fell from his wet hair. Then, Jin bit the tip of his middle finger with his teeth and pulled off the glove. His eyes were also filled with pleasure.

Without any more consideration, Jin grabbed Han Naeyung’s member with his bare hand. He didn’t stop thrusting his hips. Hearing Han Naeyung’s whispered call, he gripped harder. Stroking strongly, Han Naeyung’s toes curled.

The semen that spurted out soaked the shirt like gel, thick and sticky. Han Naeyung tensed his body and came. His insides also squeezed Jin’s member tightly. Jin quickly pulled out his member and gripped both of theirs together.

Han Naeyung let out a weak moan as he finished coming. Jin’s climax was also imminent. His semen shot out forcefully, reaching up to Han Naeyung’s chest. The thick liquid pooled in his navel.

Jin’s still-hard member showed no signs of softening. In contrast, Han Naeyung’s body sank heavily into the sofa.

Jin pulled Han Naeyung close, bringing his ear near. Han Naeyung had clearly called him. Han Naeyung muttered that he couldn’t take responsibility for anything.

Jin looked at his tightly closed eyes with a slightly frustrated expression, as if saying, “You have to deal with your own feelings.”

Though he hadn’t confessed properly, Han Naeyung already felt as though he’d been rejected.

* * *

Lick, lick.

Han Naeyung woke up with a start, feeling something wet against his cheek. As he tried to sit up, a groan of pain escaped his lips. He’d forgotten—forgotten this sensation, this terrible sensation.

“Woof, woof!”

A bull terrier was eagerly licking his cheek. Forcing himself upright, Han Naeyung pressed his forehead, trying to collect his thoughts. Nari wagged her short, stubby tail excitedly, pleading to be held. Stroking her gently, he glanced around the room.

It was an ordinary house, with white wallpaper and wooden floors. He was on a large bed, wrapped snugly in a blue blanket.

Holding Nari in his arms, Han Naeyung swung his legs down to the floor. He remembered how he used to be bedridden for days after something like this, unable to move without intense pain. But now, was it because his body had matured? Walking wasn’t an issue. Or maybe it was because he had been gentle… No, that couldn’t be it.

Even though he’d been drunk, the memories of the previous night remained intact. It was a habit—keeping a firm grip on his consciousness while drinking. But last night, it seemed he’d let go, at least partially.

The kiss beneath the streetlight, and the impulsive sex that followed. Had he been so starved for someone’s warmth? No, he’d always been longing for the warmth of the half he had lost. To think he sought it through Jin…

Was it because Jin didn’t make his skin crawl like others? Because he resembled someone he missed dearly? None of those could be the answer.

On a coat rack in the corner of the room hung his coat. Only now did he notice he was wearing a roomy T-shirt and sweatpants. Grabbing his coat, Nari began scratching the bedroom door impatiently.

When he opened it, Nari bolted out to the living room. Jin, sitting on the sofa, lifted his head. He, too, was dressed casually, similar to Han Naeyung. Setting aside the documents he had been reviewing, Jin stood up. Despite the modesty of the house, his presence made it seem small.

“Is your head alright?”

“…About last night, I apologize.”

“Stay for breakfast.”

Even faced with Han Naeyung’s detached demeanor, Jin remained unaffected. Though inwardly, he was a little hurt—rejected so quickly after just one night.

“No, I’m fine.”

His voice was quiet and deliberate.

As Han Naeyung slipped his arms into the coat’s sleeves, he put his gloves back on and moved toward the door. His every action screamed of creating distance, and Jin stepped closer.

But Han Naeyung recoiled, the faint grimace on his face betraying the lingering effects of the previous night. Jin raised his hands in surrender, signaling he wouldn’t approach any further.

“I’ll be going, then.”

Han Naeyung didn’t meet Jin’s gaze, his eyes fixed on the floor by Jin’s feet. Nari circled him excitedly, as if asking where he was headed. After patting her head, Han Naeyung opened the door.

“Dr. Han.”

At Jin’s call, he turned back. Jin leaned casually against the wall, arms crossed.

“About the question I couldn’t answer last night because you passed out…”

He couldn’t quite recall what had happened right before he blacked out. Like drifting off into sleep without realizing it.

“It’s already too late.”

Jin smiled softly, waving him off. He didn’t offer to drive him back, for which Han Naeyung was oddly thankful. Just then, a flash of memory from last night resurfaced in his mind.

As the door started to close, Nari dashed out. She ran toward Han Naeyung, but Jin quickly scooped her up.

“Woof! Woof, woof, woof! Woof!” Nari barked loudly enough to attract complaints from the neighbors. Jin, unfazed, simply stroked her head fondly.

“Well done, Nari.”

He praised her instead of reprimanding her, his gentle smile unchanged. Han Naeyung knew he shouldn’t linger. He told himself that Jin’s warmth wasn’t something he could afford to indulge in. But still, his feet refused to move.

* * *

Aside from Nari happily running circles around the dining table, the atmosphere was subdued. Jin placed a bowl of seaweed soup in front of Han Naeyung. Jin was wearing white gloves, and it seemed he had bought a new pair for Han Naeyung as well, judging by how spotless they were.

Han Naeyung dipped his spoon into the soup.

“Dumplings…”

Three frozen dumplings had swelled to bursting. He thought they might explode the moment he poked them.

“Do you not like dumplings?”

“No,” Han Naeyung said, shaking his head. It wasn’t dislike, just unfamiliarity with seeing them in seaweed soup.

The well-seasoned soup soothed his dry throat. Though he drank the broth without issue, he had no desire to touch the dumplings or rice.

“Is it not good?”

“It’s good.”

“I’m a good cook. Let me know if there’s something you like.”

As Han Naeyung sipped the soup, he glanced at Jin. He scolded Nari with a stern tone when she tried to leap onto the table.

“When I first brought her home, she jumped right onto the dining table. Watching her devour everything like a glutton, I couldn’t even bring myself to scold her. And I hadn’t skimped on her food either. So I gave her all she could eat, and she ended up vomiting.”

Jin stopped, realizing he might have gone too far with his story.

“Ah, sorry. That was inappropriate for a meal.”

“It’s fine.”

Jin hadn’t changed from the night before—his cheerful demeanor and the smile around his eyes were still the same. Han Naeyung found himself wanting to avoid him, knowing exactly what Jin’s parting words meant. Yet here he was, sitting at this table.

Since that day, Han Naeyung had never formed a deep connection with anyone. Physical contact itself had been impossible.

But Jin’s kiss had been warm, and ultimately, they had gone further than that. It had been a sort of experiment, a gamble. With anyone else, he might have had a breakdown in the middle of it.

“You must have been tired last night,” Jin remarked, ladling himself another bowl of soup.

“Recently, the sign outside my house… has been too bright.”