IPSTDS Chapter 114

Chapter 114

Daon’s lighthearted confession lingered as he escorted Nahyuk all the way to the front door.

Kangil, with his arm slung around Nahyuk’s shoulder and their bodies pressed close, leaned in to murmur like a warning,

“I like you way more than he does.”

Then, as if he wouldn’t allow a reply, he pulled Nahyuk along.

At some point, the rain had stopped. The sky above was brilliantly clear. Nahyuk wondered how much longer he’d be able to see skies like that.

Just then, Kangil draped his jacket over Nahyuk’s shoulders.

“Looks like summer’s already ending. It’s chilly. Let’s go by car.”

“Yeah.”

The whole ride back, Kangil spoke with him, but not once did he ask about what had happened with Kim Daon.

It was as if he were keeping his word not to press him.

Or maybe he had already sensed the strange tension between Daon and Nahyuk—the subtle change that hadn’t been there before—and guessed everything. Kangil was quick enough to pick up on such things.

Whatever the truth, Nahyuk was grateful he didn’t ask.

The car glided smoothly through the quiet morning streets before stopping in front of Nahyuk’s house.

But Kangil didn’t let him out immediately. He just looked at him.

“Noah, you’re staying home today, right?”

“Yeah, I’ll rest. I’ve got things to think about.”

“And those thoughts include me, don’t they?”

“You’re asking the obvious.”

Kangil’s lips curved into a dangerous smile before brushing against Nahyuk’s forehead.

“Think about me a lot. I’ll be thinking about you even more.”

Nahyuk nodded without protest.

“Should I go in?”

“Yeah.”

Even after Nahyuk stepped out of the car, Kangil lingered, reluctant to leave.

Grumbling nonsense about soon becoming a freelancer, he suggested they walk together through the garden.

It was nice—walking with someone you liked on a sunny day. Nahyuk reached out first and took Kangil’s hand.

“Let’s walk.”

The leaves of the garden trees, still wet from the rain, glistened. The stepping stones, slick and dark, gleamed in the light.

Nahyuk hopped lightly from stone to stone. A half-step behind, Kangil let out a laugh, low and unrestrained.

He wished this peaceful walk could last longer, but they soon reached the front door.

“I should head inside now. You’ve got work, too.”

Kangil fidgeted like a restless dog, eyes darting around.

It was clear there was something left unsaid. Nahyuk toyed with his fingers, waiting.

“Kangil, do you have something to say?”

“No… not really. Just go inside.”

“I really am going in, you know?”

“Yeah.”

Reluctantly, Nahyuk released his hand and turned. In the same moment, his body jerked forward.

Not because his legs gave out—because Kangil had pulled him into a fierce embrace from behind.

Strong arms locked tight around his waist.

Thud—Kangil’s face dropped onto his shoulder.

“Haa… I wanted to pretend I was fine…”

“…Kangil?”

“I didn’t want to interfere until you made up your mind. But I’m too jealous.”

“…….”

“You’ve done nothing wrong, but I feel so bitter it’s driving me crazy. I just want you to lean on me alone.”

Nahyuk gently stroked his arm.

“Right now, I’m leaning on you the most.”

That, at least, was the truth. He cared for Daon, yes, but the one he depended on most was Kangil.

And yet Kangil let out a heavy sigh. After steadying his breath, he finally let go.

“Next time, don’t say you’re leaning on me. Say you love me the most.”

Not waiting for an answer, Kangil turned away immediately.

He walked briskly out of the garden, so fast it looked like he was fleeing, nothing like the man who had just been stalling.

For a fleeting second, the tips of his ears looked flushed red.

Had Nahyuk imagined it?

* * *

Nahyuk had taken the new medicine he needed for the day and soaked in hot water for a long while. After doing everything that should have made him feel better, his mood did indeed feel lighter, almost refreshed.

Now, lying down on his bed, he wanted to seriously think about the things he had yet to resolve—what to do about Lee Kangil and Kim Daon.

But just as he lay down, Chief Song knocked on the door.

“Young master.”

Nahyuk climbed off the bed and opened the door.

“What is it…”

And the moment he did, his words froze.

He found himself staring up at a man taller by a full head, his gaze filled with displeasure.

“Chief Song, I’m sorry to say this, but please, next time you let someone in, tell me first.”

“I’ll do that from now on. I’m sorry, young master.”

Only after speaking did it hit him. Why was he snapping at her? She hadn’t done anything wrong.

Whether by flaunting his handsome face or sheer persistence, the man had forced his way up here himself.

“There’s nothing for you to apologize for. My health hasn’t been good lately, and I just wanted to be alone. I spoke too harshly. I’m sorry, Chief Song.”

He quickly apologized for venting his temper on the wrong person. Yet even then, she kept saying sorry before offering to bring him tea.

After she went downstairs, the unwelcome visitor remained exactly where he was.

“Is your health that bad?”

Brazen bastard. Nahyuk moved to close the door, but the man’s large hand stopped it.

“Just hear me out.”

Nahyuk finally spoke his name.

“Seo Dowoong. Please, let’s stop talking. I’m begging you.”

Why was he here, when he should’ve been at the company?

He already had more than enough on his mind. He didn’t have a second to spare for Seo Dowoong.

But, as always, Seo Dowoong didn’t retreat easily.

“I came to apologize.”

“Apologize? For threatening me with Kim Daon?”

“…For anything and everything.”

“I have nothing to say. I don’t need your apology. Isn’t the Park Sangcheol mess over now anyway?”

“I threatened you, but I’m the one who made sure Park Sangcheol didn’t touch Kim Daon. Even if you said you don’t like me, I still acted for your sake.”

“So what? You want me to clap and praise you for that?”

“…….”

Seo Dowoong fell silent, like someone who truly had expected praise.

If he was just hoping for gratitude, Nahyuk didn’t see why he couldn’t give it. Speaking empty words didn’t cost much.

“Fine. Thanks for helping. Satisfied? Now go. I really need to rest.”

“Should I kneel?”

Seo Dowoong was the kind of man who wouldn’t bend even if his neck were under a blade. His pride was that unshakable.

Even in the original story, there had been barely a handful of times when he bowed his pride before Kim Daon.

But here he was, lowering himself. Before Nahyuk could answer, Seo Dowoong sank to his knees.

Nahyuk couldn’t adjust to the sudden shift in perspective.

To see Seo Dowoong kneeling—it was almost unbelievable. It felt like a dream.

At that very moment, Chief Song came back upstairs with the tea. Seeing Seo Dowoong on his knees, she let out a startled cry.

“Y-young master?”

Nahyuk quickly helped Dowoong up.

“Get up, now.”

“…….”

“Come inside for now. I won’t throw you out right this second.”

He pulled on Dowoong’s arm, forcing him to rise. Then he shoved him into the room and went to reassure Chief Song.

“I’m sorry you had to see that. It’s nothing. Seo Dowoong wronged me and was just overdoing an apology. Don’t worry, please go back downstairs.”

“Yes, young master.”

Though her face showed she had many questions, she held them back and left.

Nahyuk carried the drink into his room.

With no other seat but the vanity chair, Seo Dowoong had slumped weakly onto the edge of the bed.

Nahyuk set the drink aside, then stood at a distance, not wanting to sit near him.

“Seo Dowoong. Remember this clearly. If you ever kiss me again without my consent, I’ll report you. I mean it.”

“I won’t, this time.”

“Hard to believe, but I’ll give you one last chance.”

A man who had humbled his pride enough to kneel—maybe he really wouldn’t force a kiss this time.

Nahyuk crossed his arms tightly, looking down at him.

“Now say what you came to say. I’ll listen for a moment.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“You said you came to apologize. What exactly are you so sorry about?”

“For treating you carelessly, thinking your feelings wouldn’t change.”

“So now you really believe me when I say I don’t like you anymore?”

“Wouldn’t I be an idiot if I didn’t? Even after all this, you’re not acting the way you used to.”

“It’s a relief you’re not an idiot, Seo Dowoong. I never wanted to love someone who treated me badly.”

His life had been too starved for love to waste it craving mistreatment. He realized that all the more these days, as thoughts of death weighed heavier.

“I won’t treat you carelessly anymore. I promise.”

“Even if you don’t, it won’t make me love you again.”

Seo Dowoong looked up at him with weak, pitiful eyes.

It was hard to believe this was the same man who always lifted his chin arrogantly to look down on others.

But as always, Nahyuk felt no pity.