DAH Ch 6

“Hello.”

Jungjoon quickly bowed his head to the unfamiliar woman who greeted him. With a knowing “You must be Ian,” she smiled at the child and patted his head. Ian, shy, clung to Jungjoon, his face a mixture of shyness and delight at the attention from a stranger, especially a woman.

“I’ve heard a lot about you.”

They exchanged pleasantries, and Jungjoon learned that the woman, Sungha, was two years older than Yoonhae and three years younger than himself. Though she told him to address her casually, Jungjoon politely stuck with “Sungha.”

“Give me the bags.”

Yoonhae took the suitcase from Jungjoon and put it in the trunk. He then effortlessly lifted Ian from Jungjoon’s arms into his own.

“How have you been? Ready to see some dinosaurs?”

He asked warmly, making eye contact with Ian, who excitedly nodded.

Before they left, Sungha excused herself to smoke. Jungjoon, Ian, and Yoonhae got into the car.

“Does Ian get carsick?”

“No, luckily he doesn’t.”

Yoonhae murmured, turning to look at Ian.

“Did you miss your uncle?”

Ian clung to Jungjoon and nodded. Yoonhae reached out, stroking the boy’s head and cheek. His large, thick hand playfully poked Ian’s belly before withdrawing.

Jungjoon, watching the unfamiliar tenderness in Yoonhae’s eyes, looked away just before their gazes met, turning his attention to the window. His eyes drifted to Sungha, who was smoking and looking at her phone near the car.

He stared longer than he intended, struck by how different Sungha looked in person. It was natural to feel unfamiliar with someone you’d just met, but she looked different from her photos.

‘…Did she change her hairstyle?’

Jungjoon quickly averted his gaze. People, both men and women, could look completely different depending on their styling.

“…….”

Looking forward again, he caught Yoonhae’s eyes in the rearview mirror. He froze, realizing Yoonhae had been silently watching him. Yoonhae quickly looked away, but a strange silence followed.

It was just a coincidence, he thought, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that Yoonhae’s gaze had been sharp. He wondered if staring at Sungha had been misinterpreted. If that were the case…

He wanted to clarify that he wasn’t the type to ogle someone else’s girlfriend. But it felt awkward to bring it up. While he hesitated, Sungha got into the car, and they started driving.

Sungha’s music filled the car. Wearing sunglasses, she rolled down the window, enjoying the drive. Whenever they stopped, she would wrap her arm around Yoonhae’s neck, kissing his cheek or whispering in his ear. They giggled, sharing private jokes.

Jungjoon tried to appear oblivious, not wanting to seem like he was watching their displays of affection. He stubbornly stared out the window or stroked Ian’s back and hair. The boy had fallen asleep, clutching his stuffed animal and using Jungjoon’s lap as a pillow. He was relieved that he didn’t have to witness any more intimate moments between Sungha and Yoonhae.

They finally stopped at a rest area.

“Ian, wake up. We’re at a rest stop. Time to use the restroom.”

After waking Ian and getting out of the car, Jungjoon stretched his neck and shoulders. He felt stiff, as if he’d been tense for hours. He wondered why he felt so tired after just sitting, but then realized it made sense. Being confined in a car with people he wasn’t entirely comfortable with was draining for the introverted Jungjoon.

Witnessing the couple’s affection had also taken its toll. Being forced to watch their private moments was more awkward than he’d anticipated.

“Ian, should uncle buy you something tasty?”

Yoonhae lifted a sleepy Ian onto his shoulders. Ian, delighted, swung his arms and legs.

With Sungha walking beside them, they looked like a happy family. A young couple with their child. Watching the three of them, Jungjoon trailed behind like an afterthought.

They found a table in the food court. Perhaps the fresh air had stimulated his appetite, because despite having eaten recently, Ian readily ate the food Yoonhae bought him. The boy sat on Yoonhae’s lap, while Sungha scrolled through her phone. Jungjoon sat opposite them, sipping his iced coffee and occasionally wiping Ian’s mouth with a tissue. Even that task was soon taken over by Yoonhae, leaving Jungjoon with nothing to do but look around.

“Let me have a bite of that hot dog.”

Yoonhae fed not only Ian but also Sungha, who opened her mouth expectantly. While the three of them shared food, Jungjoon silently sipped his coffee through a straw.

“Finished?”

Yoonhae asked, gathering the trash. Jungjoon, though his coffee was half-full, stood up and mumbled, “Yeah.” Taking the trash from Yoonhae, he sorted it and disposed of his remaining coffee.

When he returned, the table was empty. Looking around, he spotted Yoonhae and Ian entering the restroom.

“…….”

He had assumed Ian was clinging to him because he was shy around strangers, but this proved otherwise. He was seeing new sides of his son thanks to Yoonhae. It was good for both of them that Ian was interacting with others. Jungjoon managed a weak smile and followed them to the restroom.

Back in the car, it was just Jungjoon, Ian, and Yoonhae. Sungha was probably outside smoking or in the restroom.

“…….”

Yoonhae sat in the driver’s seat, looking at his phone. Jungjoon, observing his quiet demeanor, cautiously spoke.

“Hey… You can switch with me anytime. Let me know if you’re tired.”

Yoonhae looked up, meeting Jungjoon’s eyes in the rearview mirror.

“I’m fine. It’s only about an hour and a half more.”

“…….”

Jungjoon nodded. Some people were uncomfortable letting others drive their car, and it wasn’t a long drive anyway, so he didn’t push the matter.

Sungha returned, and they continued on the highway. Jungjoon, stroking Ian, dozed off. He woke up just before they reached their destination. The hour-long nap had eased his fatigue.

Ian, after his deep sleep, whined, not wanting to walk. Jungjoon had no choice but to carry him out of the car.

“Tired?”

Yoonhae approached as Jungjoon shielded his eyes from the sun. Jungjoon gave a wry smile, realizing Yoonhae must have seen him sleeping.

“Yeah, I’m okay. I feel bad for sleeping while you were driving.”

“…….”

Yoonhae, backlit by the sun, stared down at him.

“You have some sleep in your eye.”

He pointed at Jungjoon’s eye. Jungjoon quickly looked down and rubbed his eye. “No, not there,” Yoonhae murmured, reaching out. He touched the corner of Jungjoon’s eye with his thumb. Jungjoon reflexively closed his eyes.

When the touch was gone, Jungjoon instinctively looked around for Sungha. She was thankfully far away, taking pictures with her phone.

“……Uh, thanks.”

Jungjoon mumbled, turning to put Ian down. He patted his whining son, but his mind was elsewhere.

The sensation of a dry fingertip against the delicate skin around his eye lingered. The unexpected intrusion into such a personal space felt strange and unsettling. He rubbed his eyes repeatedly before finally composing himself.

⟡˖ ࣪

The dinosaur museum lived up to Ian’s expectations. Jungjoon was also impressed by the quality of the exhibits.

“Daddy, look at this―!”

Ian’s voice rose with excitement every time he saw a life-sized dinosaur model. Sitting on Yoonhae’s broad shoulders gave him a perfect view.

“Hey… you can let him walk now. Carrying him like that will make your muscles sore, and you’ll have trouble driving tomorrow.”

Jungjoon knew from experience how tiring it was to carry a child. He felt bad for Yoonhae and offered a gentle suggestion, but Yoonhae just chuckled.

“Don’t worry about that. This kid’s stamina is monstrous.”

Sungha, scrolling through her phone, smirked. “You should try carrying him all day, oppa.” Jungjoon gave an awkward laugh and kept quiet.

Yoonhae continued to carry Ian, ensuring he didn’t miss anything. Even outside, in the theme park area, he pointed out every attraction and took pictures at the photo zones, diligently fulfilling the role of caregiver. Ian, initially calling for his dad, became engrossed in the sights, his eyes wide with wonder.

“Look at that guy. He’s so tall.”

“They must be married. They both look like models.”

Jungjoon, trailing behind, overheard snippets of conversation. He also noticed the occasional admiring or curious glances directed at Yoonhae and Sungha.

“…….”

His gaze lingered on their reflection in the glass of a cafe, and then on his own, separate and detached.

‘…Is this what I look like?’

He hadn’t noticed before, preoccupied with Ian, but alone, he looked every bit the tired, aging thirty-something he was. The contrast with the dazzlingly young and attractive couple, and with Ian, smiling brightly between them, created a sense of dissonance, as if they were in different worlds.

“…….”

Jungjoon suddenly thought, If his wife were still alive…

If Ian’s mother were here, how different things would be.

Between Yoonhae and Sungha, Ian looked like a normal child for the first time in a long time. The thought that this was the kind of family Ian deserved struck him, and he looked down, unable to watch them any longer.

He stood still, clenching his fists. Despite the hot summer sun, a chill ran through him.

Suddenly, he was jostled, a sharp pain shooting through his shoulder. “Ow!” he groaned.

“…….”

He hunched over, clutching his shoulder. His dark thoughts dissipated as he looked up, suddenly alert. He spotted Ian taking pictures in the distance and hurried towards him.

Yoonhae, who was taking pictures of Ian, turned to see him approach, rubbing his shoulder.

“Want to join us?”

“…Huh?”

“Take a picture with Ian.”

“Oh, uh…”

It was a photo zone next to a small dinosaur model. Jungjoon hesitantly stood next to Ian, and Yoonhae counted down. He tried to force a smile next to his beaming son, unsure if he succeeded.

“You should take one with Sungha too. I’ll take it.”

He reached for his phone, but Yoonhae turned to him with a blank expression.

“Let’s all take one together.”

He asked a passerby to take their picture. Jungjoon, flustered, stood next to Yoonhae, with Sungha linking arms with Yoonhae on the other side. He awkwardly put his arm around Ian, who was posing with a V-sign in front of them, and forced a smile.

“One, two, three―!”

Yoonhae’s hand landed on his shoulder, right where it had been hurt moments before.

“One more time―!”

Caught off guard, he stared at the camera again. Several more pictures were taken while he stood stiffly. The passerby smiled, returning the phone, and Yoonhae’s hand lifted from his shoulder.

“Did it turn out well? Let’s see.”

Sungha checked the photos, and Yoonhae hoisted Ian back onto his shoulders.

“…….”

His shoulder throbbed faintly. Jungjoon rubbed it as he followed the three of them. He felt a heavy fatigue despite not having done anything strenuous, and let out a small sigh.

The same feeling persisted during their early dinner. He had no appetite and felt bloated, barely touching his food. He was at least relieved that Ian, usually a picky eater, ate well next to Yoonhae.

After dinner, unexpected rain cut their outing short, and they headed to their accommodations. The hotel Yoonhae had booked was far more luxurious than Jungjoon had expected.

Ian was thrilled as they entered the opulent lobby. While he showed Ian around, Yoonhae checked in and got their key cards.

“I’m going. Rest up, oppa―”

Sungha, taking her key card, bowed her head and turned away. Jungjoon watched, puzzled, as she stepped into the elevator.

“Uh, why is Sungha…”

“We’re sharing a room.”

Taking Jungjoon’s luggage, Yoonhae walked ahead. Jungjoon, carrying Ian, awkwardly followed.

“Why…? Shouldn’t you be with Sungha? You should go to her…”

“Are you worried it will be cramped?”

He replied casually as they entered the elevator. Jungjoon, thinking he was being misunderstood, quickly explained.

“No, it’s not that. I just thought Sungha might be upset… It’s your trip together…”

“She seemed happy to have a room to herself.”

“…….”

“Our room is a quad, so it won’t be cramped. We can get a bigger one if it’s uncomfortable.”

“…No, it’s fine…”

He had naturally assumed they would split into couples. He had been looking forward to some rest, but that hope was now dashed.

“Ian, do you like sleeping with uncle?”

“Yes, I like it―!”

Holding his excitedly wriggling son, Jungjoon managed a strained smile.

“…It’s spacious.”

As promised, the room was huge. It was expensively furnished and could easily accommodate eight people. There was even a separate spa bath.

“I’ll bathe Ian. You relax.”

“…Uh… okay. Thanks.”

He was exhausted and had a headache, probably from indigestion. He considered getting some medicine and told Yoonhae he was stepping out for a bit.

He bought some antacids at a nearby pharmacy. When he returned, Ian was already bathed and excitedly looking at the bathtub, which was being filled.

“Join us. Relax and unwind.”

Yoonhae, now in his swimming trunks, gestured towards the bath.

“Uh… no, I’m okay. I haven’t showered yet.”

“I haven’t either. We can shower later.”

The jacuzzi was big enough for three. But Jungjoon still felt reluctant.

“I don’t have any swim trunks. Really, it’s okay.”

As soon as he offered the excuse, Yoonhae pulled out a pair of swimming trunks from his bag.

“These are new. I packed them for you.”

Jungjoon stared at the swimming trunks in his hand, his face darkening. He was at a loss for how to refuse.

“Go get changed.”

Yoonhae patted his shoulder and turned away. Jungjoon hesitated, wanting to say something, but ultimately took the trunks and went to the bathroom.

He put on the swim shorts, which reached above his knees, and then a white t-shirt. He couldn’t bring himself to go out shirtless, the image of Yoonhae’s toned physique flashing in his mind.

“Come on in.”

“Daddy― hurry up―!”

The two of them called him from the bath. With a wry smile, Jungjoon reluctantly approached.

Despite his reluctance, he quickly relaxed once he was in the water. The cool air-conditioned room and the warm water felt good.

Unlike Jungjoon, who sat quietly at the edge, Yoonhae and Ian splashed around energetically. Jungjoon watched them, content to observe their enjoyment.

“Ian, want to go to Daddy?”

“Yes―!”

Ian splashed towards Jungjoon from the other end of the tub. Yoonhae, supporting the boy’s chest and legs, swiftly moved him across the water. Ian cheered as if he’d successfully swum.

Ian, after his pretend swim, hugged Jungjoon tightly. Yoonhae, still holding Ian, was pressed close to Jungjoon. Water droplets clinging to his thick neck and shoulders filled Jungjoon’s vision. He felt not only Ian’s warmth but also the heat radiating from Yoonhae’s large frame.

“…Ha…”

Yoonhae let out a breath and pulled away slightly. Jungjoon’s gaze lingered on his upper body, which dominated his field of vision. Up close, he could clearly see the various scars scattered across Yoonhae’s abdomen. As if sensing his gaze, Yoonhae let out a small “Ah” and ran a hand over his wet torso.

“Ugly, aren’t they?”

“…No.”

Jungjoon quickly looked away as if he hadn’t been staring. He felt thirsty, perhaps from the hot water. He lifted his hand and rubbed his face repeatedly.

Turning back, he noticed Yoonhae’s gaze, directed downwards. Following his line of sight, he realized Yoonhae was looking at his chest. His soaked t-shirt clung to his skin, revealing its contours.

“…….”

He picked up Ian, who was splashing beside him, and moved to the middle of the tub. Ian, delighted, clung to his neck. A sudden wave of unease washed over Jungjoon.

Why am I here? Everything suddenly felt unnatural. Being in a hotel room like this, in a bath, almost naked, acting like a family, felt strange and unsettling. This was different from the sense of exclusion or deprivation he had felt all day.

It was a visceral discomfort, a chilling sensation, like an allergic reaction.

The indigestion persisted even after the bath. He took a hot shower, but his headache and the tightness in his stomach remained.

“Are you feeling okay?”

He heard a voice behind him as he rubbed his stomach.

“…Uh, yeah.”

He quickly withdrew his hand and started tidying up, pretending nothing was wrong.

“Daddy, my tummy hurts. I need to poop.”

Ian suddenly announced his need to use the bathroom. Jungjoon, noticing his son’s distended belly, took him to the toilet. Afterward, Ian, now in a good mood, declared he was hungry.

“It’s almost bedtime. Just have some water.”

“…No!”

“You’ll get a tummy ache. Just water, okay?”

“No, I won’t! You’ll get a tummy ache! I want pizza!”

His insistent demand for pizza was unusually forceful. Jungjoon recognized the signs of his son acting up around someone indulgent. Having spent the day with his attentive “uncle,” it was no wonder Ian was emboldened.

“Ian. Are you going to throw a tantrum?”

He lowered his voice, signaling he wouldn’t give in. As if sensing his resolve, Ian’s face crumpled.

“Maybe he’s hungry after swimming. Should we order one? I’m a little hungry too.”

Yoonhae approached cautiously. Jungjoon sighed, his face weary.

“He’s doing this because he thinks you’ll give in. Don’t.”

At his firm refusal, Ian burst into tears.

“Why are you crying? Stop it.”

Giving in now would only reinforce bad behavior. Jungjoon, knowing Ian’s patterns, stood firm. But instead of backing down, Ian cried even louder. Yoonhae picked up the sobbing child.

“Don’t coddle him. He’ll become spoiled.”

Jungjoon grabbed Yoonhae’s shoulder. Ian, nestled in Yoonhae’s arms, wailed.

“I hate Daddy, I hate Daddy―! I don’t like Daddy―!”

After venting his frustration, Ian clung to Yoonhae as if he were his real father.

“Ha…”

Jungjoon turned away, rubbing his throbbing temples.

“Daddy’s worried about you, Ian. It hurts him when you say things like that.”

Yoonhae soothed the crying child, gently patting his back. His soft, comforting words calmed Ian down surprisingly quickly.

Yoonhae, after walking around the room with Ian in his arms, gave Jungjoon a look, and Jungjoon reluctantly took his son.

“Ian, are you going to yell at Daddy and say mean things again?”

He asked, stroking Ian’s damp hair. Ian sniffled, burying his face in Jungjoon’s chest, a small, apologetic nod indicating he wouldn’t.

“Eating late at night can give you a tummy ache. But it’s a special day, so Daddy will let you have it just this once. Okay?”

“Okay…”

Jungjoon stroked his now docile son, unable to suppress a wry smile.

The pizza arrived quickly. Ian, delighted, sat between Yoonhae’s legs and started eating. Jungjoon, still feeling bloated, declined the offer to join them and sat opposite them, occasionally wiping Ian’s mouth and telling him to eat slowly.

The pizza was pepperoni. Ian was happily devouring a pizza loaded with ham, something Jungjoon normally wouldn’t allow. He felt a pang of parental frustration but couldn’t bring himself to scold Ian after having just made him cry.

“Uncle, piggyback ride!”

After finishing the pizza, Ian demanded Yoonhae play with him again. Jungjoon tried to intervene, feeling bad for Yoonhae, who must have been tired from looking after Ian all day, but Yoonhae readily obliged.

“Uncle is the best!”

Ian shouted excitedly, bouncing on the bed and repeating the phrase several times. He shrieked with laughter as Yoonhae chased him around the room, imitating a dinosaur. Finally, exhausted from playing, Ian fell asleep.

“…Good job.”

Jungjoon commended Yoonhae, who had finally managed to sit down. Yoonhae smiled silently in the dim light and sat opposite him.

“He’s at that age where he can be difficult…. You don’t have to indulge him so much.”

“He’s not difficult. He’s pretty well-behaved.”

“Really…?”

“You don’t have to be so strict either. He’s still young.”

Jungjoon felt a flicker of annoyance. He resented a third party commenting on his parenting. Yoonhae, as an occasional visitor, could play the fun, indulgent role, but Jungjoon, as the primary caregiver, had to be the disciplinarian. He couldn’t just pick and choose the pleasant parts.

“…Right.”

He forced a smile, suppressing his irritation. There was no point arguing with someone who wasn’t family.

“Are you feeling okay?”

Jungjoon, about to stand up, paused.

“You look pale.”

“Ah… I’m just a little tired.”

He rubbed his face, changing the subject.

“Shouldn’t you call Sungha? Check on her…”

“She’s an early sleeper, so she’s probably asleep by now.”

“…Right…”

Searching for something to say, Jungjoon offered a compliment.

“Sungha has a great personality, and she’s very beautiful.”

“…Is she?”

“Yes. I was surprised by how well you two suit each other.”

Yoonhae gave a faint smile, as if used to such compliments.

“How did you two meet?”

He asked out of habit, not particularly curious, but lacking other conversation starters. He preferred listening to others rather than talking about himself.

“…It just happened.”

Yoonhae mumbled, rubbing his chin. Jungjoon swallowed, uncomfortable with the dismissive response and indifferent gaze.

“Did you… fall for her at first sight because she’s so pretty?”

“…I don’t know. Maybe.”

He mumbled as if he couldn’t remember. Jungjoon gave an awkward laugh, wanting to go to bed.

“Actually, we’re pretty compatible in that area. She’s quite forward.”

Jungjoon froze, taken aback by the unexpected remark. He recognized it as the kind of sexual innuendo men often shared. But he felt a deep sense of discomfort, his lips twitching slightly. He hadn’t expected this kind of conversation, especially in this situation, in this setting.

“Is that important to you?”

“…Huh?”

“…….”

Faced with silence and Yoonhae’s intense gaze, Jungjoon understood the implication. The realization of what Yoonhae was asking filled him with revulsion.

He abruptly stood up.

“I’m exhausted. I’m going to bed. You should too. You have to drive tomorrow…”

He forced a smile without looking at Yoonhae. He tidied up, receiving no response.

Hoping the feeling of being watched was just his imagination, he quickly got into bed next to Ian, pulling the covers over his son and then over his own head.

The lights went out, and silence fell. The room was large enough that he couldn’t hear anything besides Ian’s breathing. Yoonhae moved around quietly for a moment before becoming still.

‘…Just one more night…’

One more night, and he could go home. The thought of returning to his normal life was incredibly comforting.

His visceral reaction to their earlier conversation was probably just his defense mechanism, his fatigue making him overly sensitive. He closed his eyes, trying to calm his racing thoughts.

He didn’t expect to sleep through the night, but he woke up earlier than anticipated. It was around 2 a.m., and a twisting pain in his stomach had roused him.

“…….”

He sat up, rubbing his stomach, and glanced at Ian, who was fast asleep in the middle of his bed. He wondered if he should take more antacids and got out of bed.

He gasped silently as he searched for the refrigerator. He had seen a large figure move slightly in the darkness.

Looking closer, he realized it was Yoonhae’s back. Yoonhae was standing near the refrigerator, sighing deeply and tilting his head back as if tired.

“…….”

He seemed inapproachable. Jungjoon, wanting to retreat back to bed, spoke in a raspy voice.

“…Hey…”

Yoonhae turned around, their eyes meeting. His eyes were wide, as if startled. Jungjoon froze, then looked down. There was an unfamiliar pill bottle on the table.

“…Are you… sick?”

He was surprised to see Yoonhae taking medicine in the middle of the night. He wondered if he was also suffering from indigestion. Yoonhae’s surprised expression faded, and he rubbed his face wearily.

“No.”

After the curt reply, he added, as if to fill the silence,

“It’s just… medication.”

“…What’s wrong…?”

He didn’t look like someone who needed regular medication.

“It’s nothing…”

He trailed off, seeming reluctant to answer. Jungjoon was about to tell him it was okay not to answer.

“Suppressants.”

“…What?”

Yoonhae’s dark eyes stared down at him. His lips moved.

“To control my… rut.”

“…….”

Jungjoon stared back, speechless, at the unexpected explanation. Suppressants. Rut. The unreal words felt like insects crawling in his mind.

Rut. Suppressants. Rut. Suppressants. Rut…

As his mind swarmed with these words, a wave of nausea overcame him, and he rushed to the bathroom.

“Ugh…!!”

He vomited violently, retching as if to expel his insides.

His stomach cramped painfully. He stood up shakily, exhausted. He splashed water on his face and the back of his neck repeatedly, then buried his face in a towel for a long time. When he finally looked up, he felt a presence behind him.

“Are you alright?”

A quiet voice penetrated his ears.

“…I’m fine.”

He frowned, dizzy, and tried to move past Yoonhae. But a hand gripped his arm, his body tensing.

“Are you dizzy?”

“…Yes. Let go of me.”

“Let me help you.”

A large hand pulled him towards the bed.

“No, let go…!”

He protested, his voice strained. The touch of Yoonhae’s body against his made his stomach churn.

“Stop…!”

He struggled to free himself, his movements becoming frantic. Yoonhae’s hand clamped down on his shoulder, pinning him in place. He felt the heavy, unyielding weight of the other man’s body, a force he couldn’t resist. His body instinctively froze.

“…….”

Holding him still, Yoonhae pressed a hand against his back, pushing hard, then slowly stroking downwards along his spine. His firm, heavy hand moved repeatedly along his vertebrae. The heat of his hand against his tense back, easing the knots in his muscles, kept Jungjoon frozen like a trapped animal.

Then, a loud burp erupted from his throat. The tightness in his chest vanished, replaced by a wave of relief. But despite the physical ease, a profound discomfort washed over him, his ears burning.

“…Stop…”

Even though the nausea had subsided, Yoonhae continued, turning him over and massaging his back in circular motions through his shirt. The warm hand moved down his body, kneading his thighs, calves, and finally his feet.

Jungjoon, lying still as if dead, abruptly pulled his feet away, burying his face in the pillow, silently pleading for Yoonhae to leave.

“Sleep well.”

With a final goodnight, Yoonhae covered him with a blanket and left. The quiet sounds of his footsteps on the rug, the rustling of sheets as he got into his own bed, reached Jungjoon’s ears.

His body, chilled from the nausea, was now warm, returning to normal. But despite feeling better, he couldn’t sleep. He gripped the sheets, shivering, his body slick with cold sweat.

⟡˖ ࣪

He learned that Sungha had left early in the morning. He was surprised to hear the news when he went down to the lounge for checkout.

“But how…? Sungha didn’t bring her car.”

“She must have taken a taxi. It happens sometimes, she’s self-employed.”

Jungjoon remained puzzled despite the explanation. Leaving without a word, even in an emergency, seemed strange. He understood the demands of self-employment but couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.

“…Is Sungha mad at you?”

He asked cautiously as they drove.

“Why would she be?”

Yoonhae’s profile was indifferent.

“…I don’t know. Maybe she was upset that you slept in a separate room last night.”

It was the only reason he could think of.

“If she was, she would have said something. She’s not one to hold back.”

“Still. She might have held back because I was there…”

Yoonhae sighed.

“She went back for work. Don’t worry about it. Especially when you’re not feeling well after being sick last night.”

“…….”

Jungjoon slowly closed his mouth. He turned his head to look out the window, away from Yoonhae.

The events of the early morning flooded back.

‘Should I thank him…?’

Yoonhae had helped him with his indigestion. But the memory of that night was so unpleasant that he didn’t even want to offer a perfunctory thank you. The memory of Yoonhae’s forceful actions, no matter how well-intentioned, filled him with discomfort.