JL Ch6.3 (End)

He asked after a long while. I took a deep breath and brought out the answer I had prepared. I never dreamed I’d have to say it today.

“My lease will expire in a few months. When the contract ends, I plan to use the deposit to move to a good… rental apartment. Of course, I intend to pay the rent diligently.”

Shin called my name from beside me, but I first listened to the grandfather’s words. He asked sharply, without softening his frown.

“Why waste money on rent?”

“Yes, that’s why I won’t be wasting it. The landlord will be Shin.”

I finally looked up at Shin. I felt a bit nervous, having not told him beforehand and revealing it in front of his grandfather. Would he be angry? But instead of anger, there was no troubling emotion in his eyes, just confusion.

“Shin will be the landlord… so you’ll be moving into Shin’s place?”

“Ah, yes.”

I replied quite boldly and quickly added,

“I will definitely pay the market rate rent.”

“Hmm, the market rate… ahem.”

The grandfather, nodding in satisfaction, suddenly stiffened and reverted to his frowning face. He looked at me for a moment, seemingly wanting to say something, but then he turned away and lay back on the bed.

“I’m tired. Director Hong, send them off.”

“Yes. Alright, it’s late, let’s get you out of here.”

Despite his kind words, Director Hong spread his arms like he was herding animals and quickly ushered us out. But I didn’t mind. Even though the hallway still echoed with the sound of his slippers, his face showed he was in a good mood.

* * *

Maybe because of his experience as a police officer, Kim Shin had grown used to suspecting others’ words and discerning their true intentions, almost as naturally as breathing. So, even in the hospital room, seeing the reactions of his grandfather, Director Hong, and Yeonwoo, he immediately realized that the three of them had already met.

He was now sure this was why Yeonwoo’s behavior had been strange today. After introducing Yeonwoo to his grandfather, Shin barely restrained himself from saying anything more. He didn’t mind cutting ties with his grandfather. This visit was merely to inform him. However, Yeonwoo suddenly said something unexpected. Moving out? Shin realized it was related to his grandfather, but logical reasoning wasn’t important right now.

“Sorry I didn’t tell you in advance. I actually decided today. I spoke with my parents earlier, and they were a bit worried and opposed the idea. I was going to tell you once I got their permission. But they did say I could do as I please with my house, so I don’t really need their permission.”

Yeonwoo, with a regretful face, continued to make excuses. He probably thought Shin was angry, but he wasn’t at all. How could he be angry? The reason Yeonwoo decided to move was likely because of him. It was endearing and made him feel so happy that Yeonwoo’s concern for him clouded his judgment. Knowing Yeonwoo worried and sought solutions for his sake made Shin feel both sorry and incredibly pleased.

“Moving into your place is presumptuous of me, but…”

“Then I must be presumptuous too.”

“No.” Yeonwoo quickly shook his head and rubbed his face with his hands.

“My place isn’t all that impressive.”

“Neither is mine.”

Yeonwoo looked like he wanted to argue but eventually nodded.

“Still, I will definitely pay the market rate rent.”

“……”

“You also said you’d pay rent while living at my place.”

Yeonwoo’s eyes, looking up at him, showed concern about what he might say. Paying rent wasn’t about pride but worrying that the grandfather might misunderstand him as a gold-digger. It would have been easier if Yeonwoo was just after his money. Shin would have gladly let himself be taken advantage of. Such thoughts were unimaginable for the old him, who only suspected and guarded against others. But now, even these strange feelings filled his heart with joy.

“Do as you like.”

He pulled Yeonwoo into his arms and buried his face in Yeonwoo’s shoulder. The warm peach scent mixed with body heat brought back memories. He would never forget the feeling of his pounding heart when he first recognized that scent in the library. In fact, he could never forget any moment since meeting Yeonwoo. Regret washed over him. Why had he foolishly let him go in the past?

“Why did we meet only now?”

Shin muttered, and he felt Yeonwoo hold his breath. Pulling Yeonwoo closer, he let out a long sigh against his neck.

“What a waste.”

The time they could finally spend together felt too precious to lose.

* * *

I had mentally prepared myself after dropping the bombshell on my family. However, except for a call from my sister, there was no contact for a week.

“You started living together right after you started dating? Song Yeonwoo, are you out of your mind? Are you just relying on the fact that he’s a police officer? Did you do something wrong and get caught?”

“No, nothing like that.”

“Then what made you bring him home? Did his good looks enchant you?”

“Yes.”

“…… I see.”

I wasn’t sure what she meant by “I see,” but my sister coolly accepted my love. That was it.

I was amazed at how rationally and considerately my family respected each other’s privacy. I let my guard down, feeling impressed. Exactly a week later, the doorbell rang. It rang less than five minutes after we returned from the library, as if it had been waiting for us. Shin and I exchanged puzzled looks.

“Expecting someone?”

“No.”

Shaking my head, I looked through the peephole and quickly opened the door in surprise. A man, about my height, thin, with graying hair, stood there with a blank expression.

“Father.”

When I called him, my father looked at me, then turned his gaze to Shini standing behind me. While I hesitated, Shini quickly sensed the situation and bowed his head in greeting.

“My name is Kim Shin.”

My father just nodded slightly in acknowledgment and entered the house. As I closed the gate, I asked him, who was standing in the living room.

“When did you come up?”

“Today.”

As always, my father spoke briefly and looked around the house. He was wearing a short-sleeved collared T-shirt that looked like he had worn it for ages and holding a small travel bag in his hand. As I looked at the bag, I immediately realized why he was standing still, checking the closed doors.

He must have stopped because he didn’t know which room his son was using while living with a man. I felt a mix of embarrassment and shame, like being caught watching adult videos by my parents. I asked in a nonchalant voice.

“How many days will you stay? Use the master bedroom.”

My father entered the room without a word, and the door closed. As I turned around, running a hand through my hair, I stopped when I saw Shini. He looked at the door my father had entered and asked me.

“Do I need to give a proper greeting?”

“Are you planning to bow?”

At my words, he finally turned to me with an exasperated look. I smiled and took his arm, leading him to the room.

“He doesn’t talk much usually. But recently, he’s been talking more, so my mom is happy, saying it feels like living with a person.”

I gave a brief explanation and carefully spoke to Shini.

“Don’t worry. If it were my mom, it might be different, but my father didn’t come to oppose us. He probably came as the family representative to scout things out.”

Shini’s lips curved slightly, as if he found the word ‘scout’ amusing. Confirming that his mood had lightened, I added hesitantly.

“Uh, I’ll use the next room while my father is here.”

Thankfully, he nodded kindly.

“I was thinking the same. I can’t trust myself to not do anything with you next to me.”

While I felt my face heat up, he smiled and put his hand on my face. His fingertips brushed my cheek and stopped at my lips. His gaze, which followed his fingertips, stopped and darkened. I took a step back, resisting the urge to swallow.

“We really should use separate rooms. I can’t trust myself either.”

He silently laughed and lowered his hand. I was grateful that he accepted the situation gracefully despite the burden of meeting my father. Feeling relieved inside, I smiled back at him.

* * *

‘Don’t worry about my father.’

Yeonwoo seemed to worry that Kim Shin might be concerned, but in reality, Kim Shin didn’t care about Yeonwoo’s father at all. It wasn’t just the father; he didn’t care how any of Yeonwoo’s family reacted to their relationship. Since they were Yeonwoo’s family, he just showed courtesy. He didn’t have any desire to make a good impression. Besides, they left early for the library every morning and returned late at night, so there was hardly any time to face his father. They had exchanged few words.

Being a man of few words, his father only confirmed their return from the library with his eyes before retreating to his room. Yeonwoo also took his father’s reaction in stride, which ironically deflated Kim Shin. Didn’t they say he was a scout? But there were no questions, and he didn’t observe him at all. On the fifth morning since Yeonwoo’s father arrived, it was a rare holiday, and having not slept well the previous night, he was still asleep at his usual wake-up time.

The reason for his sleeplessness was simple: frustration. He never felt uncomfortable in Yeonwoo’s house, but last night, he regretted coming here for the first time. If the house had been bigger, he could have acted without concern. He decided to give the real estate agent extra money to vacate the house quickly and fell asleep at dawn. He woke up to someone gently shaking him. Flinching, Kim Shin opened his eyes wide in alertness but then realized who it was and his eyes grew big with surprise.

“Father.”

Kim Shin called out in a groggy voice. Yeonwoo’s father, who had woken him, stepped back and spoke briefly with his usual indifferent expression.

“Eat before you sleep.”

Watching him turn to leave, Kim Shin ran a hand through his hair. What time was it? He looked at the clock to find the hour hand had not yet passed seven. Had he woken him because he was late for his usual wake-up time? Curious, he went out to the living room to find Yeonwoo sitting at the dining table with a sleepy face.

Though he had washed his face, his eyes were still puffy as if he wasn’t fully awake, and he stared blankly at the table. Due to his habit of tossing and turning while sleeping, his hair stuck out in all directions like dandelion seeds. Usually, he would be embarrassed and press down his hair with his hands upon getting up, but today he seemed to have sat at the table without that luxury.

Maybe because he seemed relaxed for once, he looked so cute that it made Kim Shin’s stomach feel warm. He wanted to hug him, press down his hair, and kiss the nape of his neck. He suppressed the rising heat with a sigh. His father-in-law was in the kitchen. Kim Shin splashed water on his face and sat across from Yeonwoo. Immediately, a bowl of soup was placed in front of him. Reflexively, Kim Shin stood up again.

“Father, I can…”

“It’s done.”

His father-in-law stopped him, placed a rolled omelet on the table, and said shortly.

“Eat.”

Yeonwoo, stifling a yawn, picked up his spoon and said, “Thank you for the meal.” Kim Shin, feeling out of place, alternated between looking at Yeonwoo, who had started eating, and his father-in-law, who disappeared into the room. Why had he suddenly cooked for them? Looking around the table, he saw pickles, kimchi, vegetables, anchovy stir-fry, and stir-fried fish cakes. Most of them were items from Yeonwoo’s fridge.

On any other day, they would have eaten them directly from the containers, but today they were all neatly plated as if they were new dishes. Moreover, the rice was freshly cooked, steaming with a fragrant aroma. The miso soup with burdock was exceptionally aromatic too. It was an ordinary meal, yet strangely, he couldn’t easily bring himself to eat. Just then, the room door opened, and his father-in-law came out with a backpack. He didn’t look at them and headed straight to the entrance to put on his shoes. Yeonwoo, with food in his mouth, craned his neck.

“Are you going hiking?”

“Rest after eating.”

His father-in-law left only those words and disappeared beyond the firmly closed front gate. Yeonwoo, now fully awake, noticed Kim Shin hadn’t touched his food.

“Not hungry?”

“No,” mumbled Kim Shin as he scooped a mouthful of rice into his mouth. The familiar aroma of the warm rice unusually stimulated his appetite, as if he were eating when hungry.

“Does your father go to the mountains often?” he asked.

“Yes, to fetch some mineral water.”

“Oh.” Kim Shin nodded, then asked again, “Did your father cook all this?”

“He usually prepares breakfast when he’s at home,” Yeonwoo said, pausing mid-air with his chopsticks as if recalling a memory. “Mom hurt her back while working years ago, and it was tough for her. That’s probably when it started. Since she works late into the evening, he takes care of breakfast.”

“He sounds like a good father.”

Yeonwoo smiled awkwardly at the comment. “He probably does it more out of guilt than anything else. Something bad happened to him a while back. He was swindled by someone he was close to, like a brother, and it made him…”

Yeonwoo paused, choosing his words carefully. “He was lost for quite some time. When he finally came back home, the betrayal had left a deep scar, and he started building walls around himself, even with family.”

Kim Shin didn’t press further, sensing the inclusion of family in the betrayal. Yeonwoo’s matter-of-fact tone indicated he’d made peace with the past. “But now, he talks a lot more,” Yeonwoo added.

A lot? That word was the biggest shock to Kim Shin that day, followed by Yeonwoo’s next statement. “He likes you.”

“…Me?”

“Yeah. He hasn’t said much, has he?”

Kim Shin blinked, looking at Yeonwoo before dropping his gaze to the table. He could tell Yeonwoo wasn’t lying to make him feel better. Yeonwoo’s casual tone made it more believable, yet it was baffling. Over the past five days, Kim Shin hadn’t done anything to impress Yeonwoo’s father. He simply focused on Yeonwoo, being himself. And yet, he was accepted. Could it be this easy to become part of a family?

“Why?” Kim Shin voiced his confusion, lifting his gaze to meet Yeonwoo’s questioning look. Kim Shin forced strength into his sinking voice. “I haven’t done anything. Why does he like me?”

“Because you’re a good person,” Yeonwoo replied, blinking at the odd question.

“Oh? Shin,” Yeonwoo called softly, prompting Kim Shin to raise his expressionless face. Yeonwoo studied him carefully, then smiled awkwardly. “Sorry, I thought you were about to cry.”

No way. Kim Shin dismissed the thought and resumed eating. It was the most delicious meal he’d had in a while.

* * *

When it was time to remove the August calendar, the weather turned cooler, making it comfortable to live. After a week, during which his father was barely noticeable, he returned to their routine. Though studying for the college entrance exam was tedious, the application process heightened his sense of urgency. Despite the stress of being a student, Yeonwoo felt happier than ever.

Living with someone he loved, with his family’s acceptance of their relationship, filled his days with joy. However, Shin was slightly different. Though he enjoyed their time together, he occasionally expressed regret. He deeply regretted the time he had missed with Yeonwoo. While Yeonwoo didn’t know how to address this, it lingered in his mind. Then, on a weekend, he unexpectedly found an answer at the library.

“Oh? Hello, Director Hong,” Yeonwoo greeted first, recognizing him in casual attire. The director acknowledged with a familiar nod.

“Oh, you study at this library?”

“Didn’t you know?”

With Shin away getting drinks, Yeonwoo directly asked, prompting a wry smile from the director.

“I knew, but I didn’t come here specifically to see you. I’m here because of my son.”

He gestured to a boy standing nearby, who nodded begrudgingly, looking like a younger version of the director, likely in middle school.

“He plays games all day, so I’m trying to make him study.”

The boy grumbled audibly at his father’s criticism. “You came here because you fought with mom and had nowhere else to go.”

Director Hong flinched, ordering his son, “Go inside and study.”

“I’m taking a break,” the boy retorted, sighing rebelliously before trudging to the study room. Watching his son go, the director scanned the area around Yeonwoo.

“Where’s Kim Shin…?”

“Getting drinks.”

“Ah.”

The director observed Yeonwoo, who asked, “Do you have something to say to me?”

Clearing his throat, the director replied, “I was going to contact you later, but the chairman wishes to meet with you alone.”

“Oh, I see. So, I shouldn’t tell Shin about meeting the chairman?”

He nodded apologetically.

“I’ll keep it secret, then.”

“Thank you.”

“But can you tell me why he wants to see me? I’d like to be prepared.”

“Haha, you don’t need to be that prepared.”

His laugh eased my tension.

“Really?”

“Yes, it’s not about money.”

I froze mid-laugh, which he noticed. He then asked seriously, “Did you plan to borrow money from the chairman?”

“No, not at all.”

He nodded at my firm response. “Chairman No believes in strict financial dealings even with family. Don’t expect any lower interest rates than the bank offers.”

It didn’t seem like a joke. On our first meeting, he’d insisted on paying for the drink I gave him. I started to understand his character.

“Then why does he want to see me?”

Instead of answering, Director Hong looked around first.

“Shin went to the second-floor lounge to make a call. It’ll take a while.”

Reassured by my words, he spoke up. “The chairman is concerned about Kim Shin’s future.”

“Is it because he quit the police force?”

“No, he was very pleased about that. He thought Shin should have quit earlier and regretted that it took so long.”

“I see…”

“He’s simply curious about what Kim Shin wants to do in the future.”

I didn’t understand. Shin’s studying should make it clear. Director Hong observed me with a sharp look.

“The chairman offered him a full position in the company, but Kim Shin keeps refusing, saying he has other plans.”

“Yes, because he plans to continue his studies.”

“Indeed, studying. As humans, endowed with high intelligence, it’s only natural to study throughout our lives. Education is vast and endless. There are hundreds of undergraduate majors, after all. Some fields of study benefit many and can be lucrative, while others, though academically valuable, are solitary pursuits.”

Director Hong watched my reaction, but I was preoccupied with one thought: What nonsense is this? Out of courtesy, I listened until I realized something.

“Do you not know what Shin is studying?”

“No.”

He replied instantly. I finally understood why he was here. Despite saying otherwise, he came to see firsthand what Shin was studying. But why hadn’t Shin told him? Given the chairman’s curiosity, it made sense.

“Both the chairman and Kim Shin are quite reticent,” he explained, noticing my curiosity.

I wanted to suggest “communication breakdown” as a euphemism, but I just nodded.

“Shin is preparing for law school.”

Director Hong froze, eyes wide. Not the solitary scholar’s path he’d expected. Yet, his reaction surprised me.

“I didn’t expect you to tell me so readily. Kim Shin didn’t mention it, so I thought you might keep it secret too.”

“Even if I hadn’t said anything, you’d figure it out from what he’s studying. Besides, I wanted to score some points with the chairman.”

Realizing I knew his true purpose, Director Hong cleared his throat. “Chairman No has many concerns. Thank you for telling me first.”

Taking his thanks, I asked something I’d wondered about. “Is working in the executive office always this time-consuming?”

Despite the current situation and his previous rush to the hospital, and even discussing work on a holiday, it seemed work encroached on his personal life. Director Hong understood my point and offered a simple reason.

“My salary is very, very high.”

“Oh.”

Everything made sense. I nodded, and he sighed.

“But my family doesn’t like it. I have a distant relationship with my son, and my wife has many complaints.”

“You should cut back on work.”

“I should. Can’t have my wife having an affair.”

“Haha, she wouldn’t.”

“…”

“She wouldn’t, right?”

Seeing his suddenly stiff expression, I asked nervously. Director Hong looked away, seemingly choked up.

“Don’t ever join a cycling club, Mr. Song Yeonwoo.”

His wife must be an avid cyclist. I nodded without showing any reaction.

“If I do, I’ll make sure Shin joins with me.”

“Yes, do that. Definitely… Oh!”

Director Hong’s eyes widened in realization. I had to press my lips together to keep from laughing at his transparent thoughts. Soon, an enthusiastic male member would join his wife’s cycling club. Seeing the gleam in his eyes, I couldn’t help but ask.

“You must still love your wife very much.”

It seemed so obvious that I immediately apologized.

“Sorry, of course you do. That’s why you married her.”

“Well, just because people get married doesn’t mean they’re always in love.”

“Pardon?”

“Oh, I mean, I married for love.”

His indifferent response startled me. What was he saying? He should be showing passionate love.

“Although, I think my wife loves her bicycle more than me.”

His dejected tone revealed a hint of sadness. He should definitely cut back on work and spend more time with his wife. Family communication seemed more urgent on his side. Despite my concern, Director Hong squinted and added thoughtfully.

“It would be a lie to say it’s the same as at the beginning. Spending so much time together, love can become a bit dull.”

His realistic answer felt like hearing the ending of love prematurely, which dampened my mood. Still, it was better than just claiming to still be in love. Despite my feelings, he chuckled softly.

“Even so, my wife and I sometimes say that even if we’d met later in life, we’d still fall for each other. No matter when or how long we’ve known each other, we’d still love each other. She’s the only one for me.”

Just then, his phone buzzed. He glanced at it and said his son was calling, then disappeared into the reading room. I watched him leave, feeling a bit guilty for thinking his love was just practical. The idea of meeting and loving one person, no matter what, tugged at my heart. His words struck me deeply, leaving me with a strange feeling. The certainty that you would meet and love someone no matter what, was a belief beyond logic.

“Hyung, what’s wrong?”

A low, warm voice asked. Looking up, I saw Shin had come closer. Still caught in that lingering feeling, I gazed up at him.

“I just feel lucky.”

I took the drink he handed me, its coolness spreading through my hand. I remembered the drink he’d given me when we reunited at the library. The tension I’d felt on that hot summer day was still vivid.

“I’m just glad to be with you right now.”

As if answering his earlier “regret,” I repeated myself. That was enough. We had met.