SHUDDER 7

Hwang Jangyeop, in a sudden fit of irritation, flipped over the perfectly set table. Every dish clattered to the floor, and innocent food splattered onto the ground. Fuming with frustration, he stormed out of the room.

Giyeong, caught between doing something and doing nothing, glanced nervously at his older brother. Gijeong, having just stopped retching, wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. Then, gripping Hwang Jangyeop’s bankbook tightly, he chewed the mouthful of rice. The peculiar, slightly fishy sweetness of the rice kept swirling in his mouth, upsetting his stomach, but with tears welling in his eyes, he forced himself to swallow it down to the last grain.

“Get up and stop sleeping.”

Returning from work, Hwang Jangyeop nudged Gijeong’s backside with his foot as he lay there. Gijeong stirred slowly, sitting up. He didn’t exactly resist, but neither did he fawn or warmly welcome Hwang Jangyeop.

Without even a customary greeting like “I’m back,” Hwang Jangyeop grabbed Gijeong’s wrist, who was merely staring at him, and dragged him outside. Giyeong, playing alone on the platform, looked at them with hopeful eyes, expecting some playtime, but Hwang Jangyeop simply led Gijeong out through the gate.

Seeing a group of workers heading to the tavern, Gijeong quickly twisted his wrist free from Hwang Jangyeop’s grip. Hwang Jangyeop stopped abruptly and looked back at him but didn’t force him to follow. Instead, he shoved his hands into his salt-and-fish-scale-crusted pants pockets and gruffly led the way, signaling Gijeong to follow. Gijeong trailed behind at a considerable distance.

They soon arrived at a small, rundown public bathhouse. Hwang Jangyeop paused, glanced back to confirm Gijeong was following, and gestured toward the bathhouse before entering. The owner was nowhere to be seen, perhaps off drinking or napping somewhere. Familiar with the routine, Hwang Jangyeop tossed a few crumpled bills onto the counter and headed to the changing room.

He stripped off his sticky clothes, tossing them into an empty locker. Meanwhile, Gijeong didn’t follow. Clad only in his underwear, Hwang Jangyeop stepped out of the changing room, grabbed Gijeong, who was standing blankly by the counter, and pulled him inside without giving him time to take off his shoes.

Even in the changing room, Gijeong just stood there. Hwang Jangyeop, who had stripped off his underwear as well, looked at him disapprovingly. Striding over, he began roughly tugging at Gijeong’s clothes. Only then did Gijeong snap out of it, trying to stop Hwang Jangyeop’s forceful hands.

“I’ll…! I’ll do it. I can do it.”

“If you don’t hurry in, I’ll screw you right here, whether anyone sees or not, so figure it out.”

Hwang Jangyeop warned, looking Gijeong straight in the eyes, then entered the bath. Gijeong stood there dazed for a while before slowly undressing. His movements were purely mechanical. His pale body was mottled with marks—bruises and bites from Hwang Jangyeop. His skin, prone to bruising, showed no signs of healing, especially since Hwang Jangyeop bit him almost daily.

Stripping off his underwear and shoving it into the locker, Gijeong didn’t bother locking it and entered the bath. There was nothing worth stealing anyway.

The moment he stepped in, the steamy air crushed his chest. The whirring exhaust fan sucked up the thick vapor. Hwang Jangyeop, already in the hot tub, beckoned Gijeong with a flick of his hand. Gijeong obediently approached, his face expressionless.

Hwang Jangyeop watched Gijeong’s frustratingly slow approach with displeasure. As soon as Gijeong was within reach, he yanked him forward. Gijeong tripped on the tub’s edge and was pulled into the hot water. Scalding water flooded his eyes, nose, mouth, and ears.

Hwang Jangyeop roughly grabbed Gijeong, who didn’t even struggle underwater, and pulled him up. Gijeong coughed violently, his eyes and nose red. The heat stung his nose, and his head felt foggy, disorienting him.

Frowning sharply, Hwang Jangyeop glared at Gijeong’s trembling, wet eyelashes. Every time he met Gijeong’s empty eyes, devoid of attachment to life, guilt and anger surged within him.

“…Ugh!”

Hwang Jangyeop grabbed Gijeong’s wet hair and yanked it back. As Gijeong’s head tilted sharply, he flailed his arms reflexively. Hwang Jangyeop bit his exposed neck and pushed his body against the wall. The water-slicked skin was too slippery to leave marks. His teeth slid off, and even biting harder only caused the skin to slip away.

Settling for less, Hwang Jangyeop kissed Gijeong’s sharp jawline, sucking it, and kneaded his flat chest. Being a man and thin, there was little to grasp. He gently rubbed the slightly protruding nipples instead. Surprisingly, Gijeong’s waist trembled.

“Ugh. Uh…”

“Looking half-dead all the time, but you like this, huh?”

Hwang Jangyeop sneered, lifting the corner of his mouth. Gijeong bit his lower lip, trying to avoid his gaze. Hwang Jangyeop sucked the nipple he’d been rubbing, pressing his tongue against it.

Gijeong twitched, reacting clearly. When Hwang Jangyeop bit the areola and sucked tightly, Gijeong visibly squirmed to escape the intense sensation. Hwang Jangyeop glanced up, observing every reaction. Gijeong, eyes tightly shut, suppressed the strange, unfamiliar pleasure.

A mischievous smile spread across Hwang Jangyeop’s face. His large hand twisted the small, flat nipple, while he sucked the other, pressing his tongue hard against it. The wet skin amplified the crude, explicit sucking sounds.

“Ugh, ugh… mm… ah! Aah!”

Gijeong, clenching his teeth, finally let out a moan. He twisted his waist to escape the torturous pleasure, but he was trapped in Hwang Jangyeop’s arms.

With a smacking sound, Hwang Jangyeop released Gijeong’s chest. He lifted Gijeong’s hips with both hands, hoisting him up. Then, he pressed his erect member against Gijeong’s groin. The softened opening, relaxed by the hot water, took in the tip easily. Gijeong, startled by the heavy penetration, thrashed wildly.

Hwang Jangyeop grabbed Gijeong’s slipping body again, pinning his arms to the tub to prevent escape, and aimed his member at the opening.

The softer-than-usual texture of the opening fueled his impatience. Licking his lower lip anxiously, he rubbed the stone-like tip against it. Gijeong shook his head frantically, terrified of the imminent intrusion.

“No… no… aah!”

Gijeong couldn’t finish, clenching his teeth as Hwang Jangyeop’s member forced its way in, stretching him to the root. Hot water surged in with it, filling his insides instantly. Each thrust from Hwang Jangyeop sent ripples through the calm water. A gurgling sound came from where their skin met.

“Ugh, aah! Uh… ugh!”

Swallowing moans while staring at the water-beaded ceiling, Gijeong let out a short scream. Hwang Jangyeop had suddenly lifted him by the armpits. Buoyed by the water, Gijeong’s body floated lightly. The member filling him pulled out to the tip, and the warm water drained out, making a trickling sound.

Gijeong clung to Hwang Jangyeop’s shoulders, bracing himself. He tensed his legs, trying to hold on, but as Hwang Jangyeop pulled his thighs and waist, his trembling body sank slowly. With his member half-inserted, Hwang Jangyeop thrust upward sharply.

“…Aah!”

Another near-scream escaped Gijeong. No one would come running. Hwang Jangyeop lifted and lowered Gijeong, moving his hips forcefully. The water churned violently, filling and draining Gijeong’s insides repeatedly. At the deep thrusts, Gijeong subtly clung to Hwang Jangyeop’s neck, pressing against him. His raw, abraded inner walls writhed, clinging to Hwang Jangyeop’s member, catching their breath.

“Haa, ha… uh, ugh.”

Unable to ask for slower or gentler movements, Gijeong just groaned, perched on Hwang Jangyeop’s thighs. Hwang Jangyeop pulled him close silently. Gijeong, moaning softly, rested his head on his shoulder. Their stomachs pressed together, and Gijeong’s ragged breath stirred Hwang Jangyeop’s ear.

His poor eating had left his spine starkly visible on his gaunt back. Hwang Jangyeop traced Gijeong’s trembling back with his fingertips, then gently stroked it, almost soothingly—a tenderness unlike before.

But it was merely a prelude to what was coming. As Hwang Jangyeop began to move his hips again, Gijeong, clinging to him, shook his head faintly. A thin whimper escaped his clenched teeth.

Hwang Jangyeop pressed Gijeong’s shaking head against his shoulder, kissed his exposed neck, and thrust his hips sharply. Fully impaled, Gijeong moaned chaotically, collapsing.

“Mm, ugh… aah, uh, ugh, no, ah, mm, aah!”

“Haa, ugh, damn… you say no, but you’re swallowing it eagerly down there.”

Hwang Jangyeop chuckled crudely, thrusting relentlessly. The sweet pain made Gijeong’s trembling body yield, the soft flesh clinging tightly with each reckless movement. The walls, yielding to his force, sucked him in hungrily, stirring his desire to dominate. The rough water sounds and Gijeong’s sweet moans boiled his blood.

The heated blood rushed to his head, causing a faint dizziness.

“Ugh, aah, ugh! Mm, aah, ah!”

“Ugh, shit, ugh, grr!”

Soon, Hwang Jangyeop crushed Gijeong in his arms, grinding their joined bodies. Gijeong’s buttocks flattened, his opening stretched to its limit. The tingling, burning sensation made his perineum and opening twitch. Hwang Jangyeop’s pressed testicles flared, releasing thick semen deep inside Gijeong. Trembling, Gijeong closed his eyes in resignation. Water droplets from the ceiling fell onto his gaunt back.

Even after ejaculating three times, Hwang Jangyeop didn’t pull out. As Gijeong left the tub, hot water and cloudy semen dripped down his glistening thighs.

Hwang Jangyeop sat Gijeong in front of him and washed him thoroughly, from his sticky buttocks to his front. Digging out the semen he’d released, he smacked his lips regretfully.

Like a father bathing his son, he scrubbed Gijeong’s hair and face clean. Gijeong accepted his touch obediently, still expressionless.

Perhaps dissatisfied, Hwang Jangyeop playfully touched Gijeong’s member. Getting no reaction, he squeezed it like milking a cow. Even after persistent efforts, it didn’t harden. Annoyed, he rubbed Gijeong’s member and tweaked his swollen nipples. Only then did it respond slightly. When Gijeong’s thighs trembled and he ejaculated murkily, Hwang Jangyeop smiled with satisfaction and let him go.

After the bath, he dried Gijeong’s wet hair, occasionally teasing his earlobe, until it was soft and fluffy.

They walked back with some distance, as they had on the way there. Hwang Jangyeop occasionally glanced back to check, but that was all. The gap between them didn’t close until they reached his house.

From then on, Hwang Jangyeop began pulling Gijeong’s face close to smell his hair. Each time he confirmed the cheap shampoo scent was the same on both of them, he looked satisfied.

Not that he wandered around grinning foolishly. Hwang Jangyeop remained stern, gruff, and blunt. But those unchanged traits felt different now. It was a subtle shift that came after fully settling Gijeong into his room.

---

Hwang Jangyeop’s mother, squatting by the faucet washing her grown son’s underwear, glared at the platform. There sat Gijeong, staring blankly, with the sleeping Giyeong on his lap.

It was bad enough that Gijeong, a man, had taken Hwang Jangyeop’s side, but with a perfectly able body, he couldn’t even earn his keep, which infuriated her. He just sat around wasting time, not even washing Hwang Jangyeop’s underwear, and with a kid in tow, she found him utterly deplorable.

Fuming, she approached Gijeong, brandishing a soap-dripping laundry bat in his face as he stared into space.

“How long are you going to mooch off us like a parasite? Huh? My son goes out early to toil in the fields, and you can’t even have the sense to bring him a snack. What are those hands for? Will they break if they touch water? Or snap a finger? If you have no shame, at least have some sense. What’s the point of an idle body? If you can’t earn a dime, at least move quickly.”

At her aggressive words, Gijeong slowly met her eyes. Frustrated, she pounded her chest and stormed into the kitchen.

Returning, she loudly placed a snack basket meant for Hwang Jangyeop in front of Gijeong. Too tired to nag further, she waved her hand irritably and returned to the faucet.

“I’ll die before my time, I swear.”

She vented, smacking the innocent laundry with the bat.

Careful not to wake Giyeong, Gijeong gently moved his legs. Picking up the snack basket, he left through the gate.

In the sea-surrounded island village, terraced fields were carved into the mountainside. Residents grew potatoes and corn there to get by. On days he didn’t fish, Hwang Jangyeop seemed to spend all day in the fields.

Wearing slippers, Gijeong climbed the slippery dirt path. His slippers kept coming off, but he didn’t complain, patiently putting them back on and ascending slowly. At the midpoint, he saw Hwang Jangyeop, shirtless, fertilizing knee-high crops.

Approaching quietly, he stepped on a twig, snapping it. Hwang Jangyeop, catching the sound, looked up and spotted Gijeong with the snack basket. His sun-squinted face brightened instantly.

Striding over, Hwang Jangyeop grabbed Gijeong’s wrist without a word and led him to a mat in the shade. Gijeong, staring at the sweat-soaked Hwang Jangyeop, handed him the basket.

Hwang Jangyeop lifted the cloth, pulled out a rice wine jug, and drank deeply from it.

Wiping the spilled wine with the back of his hand, he ignored the other snacks and yanked Gijeong’s collar. As Gijeong was pulled limply, Hwang Jangyeop pressed his rough lips against Gijeong’s soft ones, sucking them greedily before plunging his thick tongue into Gijeong’s mouth. The sour taste of wine lingered as his tongue stirred inside.

Gijeong leaned back as Hwang Jangyeop pressed forward. He frowned at the rough kiss, but it only spurred Hwang Jangyeop’s temper.

Suddenly, Hwang Jangyeop grabbed Gijeong’s ankle, pulling him down. Gijeong fell flat, unable to resist. Hwang Jangyeop climbed over him, spreading his legs and yanking his pants and underwear to mid-thigh. While doing so, he kept Gijeong’s mouth sealed with awkward, insistent kisses.

Gijeong’s lips and chin were soon stained with Hwang Jangyeop’s saliva, carrying the sour-sweet scent of the wine. Hwang Jangyeop grabbed and released one of Gijeong’s buttocks, hurriedly rubbing his member against the dry opening.

Then, a voice called out.

“Jangyeop, you there?”

It was the village fishery chief, calling from below.

Hwang Jangyeop sprang up, quickly covering Gijeong’s exposed body with his tied-up shirt—a gesture he wouldn’t have bothered with before. He’d never cared about modesty, unafraid to roll around naked in broad daylight.

But things were different now. Though still shameless, he didn’t want to expose Gijeong to just anyone.

As the chief reached the midpoint, Gijeong turned away. Hwang Jangyeop stood, brushing off his seat, and approached him. The chief glanced curiously at the figure on the mat but shifted focus when Hwang Jangyeop asked, “What’s up?” They seemed to discuss the village’s annual fishing festival.

Gijeong stared at the nameless grass sprouting before him. Blue blades and wild weeds swayed gently in the breeze. The scent of spring filled his nose.

This spring, he thought he’d be in Seoul. It might be tough, but he’d imagined meaningful days with a hopeful future. Yet, his body was still bound to this island he so desperately wanted to escape. He likely wouldn’t break free easily. He was too exhausted to struggle as he once did.

Gijeong slowly closed his eyes, hearing distant crickets.

---

It was a rare market day in town, a spectacle in a rural area with little entertainment. Locals flocked to see the vendors’ colorful goods and people, making the town bustle all day.

On such days, the island’s fishing boats skipped work, ferrying villagers instead of the sparse ferries. Hwang Jangyeop’s Daechung-ho took a break from fishing to do the same. For him, it was a chance to take his people out without caring about others’ opinions.

Hwang Jangyeop washed up early, put on clean clothes, and hurried to prepare. He woke Giyeong, bathed him, and fed him. Humming occasionally, he was in high spirits.

He shaved and styled his hair with wax, reserved for important occasions. He combed Giyeong’s hair neatly, adding a touch of wax. Giyeong, who had started seeing Hwang Jangyeop as a father, giggled happily.

After bustling since dawn, Hwang Jangyeop approached Gijeong, still lying motionless in the room. The rice on his untouched plate had hardened. Pushing the table aside, Hwang Jangyeop squatted beside him. He reached out but changed his mind, tapping Gijeong’s back lightly.

“Hey. Sleeping? Get up, kid.”

“…….”

“Don’t dawdle like a slug, get ready.”

But Gijeong only shifted slightly, not sitting up quickly. Hwang Jangyeop grabbed his shoulder, turning him over, and yanked off the blanket covering his head. Gijeong’s pale face and dry lips looked unhealthy. His eyes were cloudy.

“What’s wrong? Sick again?”

“I’m really not feeling well. Please let me rest today.”

“Bullshit, when do you ever not rest? You loaf around every day, and when I give you a chance to have fun, you whine?”

“…Just one day.”

“Stop whining. Can you really not get up?”

Gijeong nodded instead of answering, even that slow and listless, driving Hwang Jangyeop to frustration.

He reached for Gijeong’s face, but Gijeong reflexively pulled back. After all they’d seen of each other, it was pointless to act coy. Scoffing, Hwang Jangyeop stubbornly touched Gijeong’s forehead. It wasn’t burning, but a mild fever lingered.

Had last night’s exertions been too much? Gijeong had groaned more than usual, but Hwang Jangyeop thought he was just sensitive. His frail stamina seemed already worn out. Besides his pretty face, he was useless.

Covering Gijeong with the blanket again, Hwang Jangyeop muttered, “No sissy’s as delicate as this one.” His tone was gruff but laced with rough affection.

“Mister, let’s go! Hurry!”

Giyeong called from outside, urging him. About to leave alone, Hwang Jangyeop glanced back at the still Gijeong.

“Anything you want me to get? Food or something you need?”

Tossing the question casually, he waited for a response. But Gijeong, perhaps asleep, didn’t move or answer.

Staring down at him, Hwang Jangyeop leaned in and whispered mischievously in his ear.

“I’ll be back, so keep your ass clean and wait.”

Only then did Gijeong bury his face deeper into the rolled-up blanket. Hwang Jangyeop chuckled at the reaction and strode out of the room.

As he slipped on his worn sneakers, he paused, noticing Gijeong’s tattered canvas shoes with frayed heels. Staring and fiddling with them, he stood up, took Giyeong’s hand naturally, and left through the gate.

Reluctant to leave the ailing Gijeong alone, he glanced back after a few steps, enough for Giyeong to ask, “What’s wrong?”

Nothing worrisome would likely happen. With Gijeong’s precious burden in his hands, what could go wrong?

Hwang Jangyeop, excited for the rare outing, held Giyeong’s hand tighter as the boy bounced along, heading lightly to the harbor.

He returned in the afternoon. Giyeong, wearing new market-bought shoes, grinned at their shine, stopping to curl up and stroke them.

Hwang Jangyeop smirked at Giyeong’s back, then glanced at the plastic bag in his hand. Inside was a pair of canvas shoes like Gijeong’s. Would Gijeong be as happy as his brother? The thought tickled his ears. Though he tried not to expect much, he was curious about Gijeong’s reaction. Swinging the bag, he quickened his pace.

Just then, Mr. Park spotted them at the harbor and approached with a warm smile. Hwang Jangyeop bowed as soon as he saw him.

“Jangyeop, coming back from the market?”

“Yes. Didn’t you go, hyung?”

“Nah, nothing to buy. Getting old makes it all feel like a hassle.”

“What, going to buy something? Just checking out the market, huh?”

“What’s with those shoes?”

“Nothing much.”

Hwang Jangyeop awkwardly hid the bag, as if caught buying something embarrassing like his wife’s underwear. Unlike Ms. Bong, who couldn’t rest until she knew every rumor and household detail on the island, Mr. Park was a refined man. So, he didn’t press Hwang Jangyeop about his obvious behavior. Instead, he watched Giyeong run off and return to cling to Hwang Jangyeop, bringing up something that came to mind.

“Come to think of it, I haven’t seen that Gijeong kid around lately, but I saw him today.”

“Today?”

“Yeah. He must’ve been curious about the market in town. He took the incoming boat out.”

Mr. Park casually elaborated, patting Giyeong’s prickly hair. Hwang Jangyeop’s brow gradually furrowed.

He said he was too sick to move, and yet he suddenly took a boat out? No way.

“You sure you didn’t see wrong, hyung?”

“Come on, how could I mistake Gijeong? There’s no one around here with a face that pale.”

Hwang Jangyeop took a deep breath to calm his wildly pounding heart. Nothing was certain yet. He tried to stay calm, but it wasn’t working.

“When was that?”

“Huh? What?”

“That kid. Yeom Gijeong, when did that kid take the boat out?”

“Whoa, you startled me! Why are you yelling? You’ll scare off kids who aren’t even here.”

“Answer me! When? Damn it, when?”

A dark unease began to swallow Hwang Jangyeop. Losing his composure in an instant, he pressed Mr. Park, who was innocent in this. Caught off guard by the sudden outburst, Mr. Park tilted his head, responding with little certainty.

“Probably around noon? The boat that comes in at twelve.”

It seemed he took one of the three daily ferries. He didn’t just tag along with someone to town; he deliberately waited for the boat and boarded it.

Why, though? Was he bored, stuck at home alone? Or did he suddenly want to see the market? Ridiculous. Yeom Gijeong wasn’t the kind of man brimming with curiosity or zest for life.

Hwang Jangyeop handed Giyeong to Mr. Park and rushed home. Mr. Park shouted something behind him, but it didn’t register.

The sea breeze stung his eardrums painfully. All he could hear was the fierce wind, his ragged breathing, and the frantic thumping of his heart. He didn’t know how he made it home or what he thought about on the way.

On the platform, Hwang Jangyeop’s mother was cleaning dried squid. Seeing him burst through the gate, she stood up eagerly. She seemed ready to nag her gruff son, who never invited her to join him at the rare market. But he had no time for her complaints now.

Hwang Jangyeop brushed past her as she approached and went straight to the closed door. It took a long time to grab the handle.

The wooden door creaked open. In the dark, unlit room, Gijeong, who should have been buried in blankets asleep, was nowhere to be seen. Only the ownerless blanket lay in disarray.

He immediately checked the floorboard. Gijeong always kept the bankbook Hwang Jangyeop gave him there. The spot, usually slightly raised, was flat today. The plastic bag with the new shoes dropped to the floor.

Until Mr. Park brought Giyeong back, Hwang Jangyeop sat on the doorstep, dazed. His mother, who usually poured out complaints at the sight of her son, eyed his unusual demeanor suspiciously. Mr. Park kept asking what was wrong, but Hwang Jangyeop didn’t answer. Only Giyeong tilted his head, noticing his brother’s absence.

He’s gone. He left his little burden with Hwang Jangyeop and flew away. Hwang Jangyeop thought Gijeong’s soft heart couldn’t do something so harsh. But he’d been tricked, thoroughly betrayed. Just when he seemed to be getting obedient, it was all a ruse. He’d been played.

Chunae left, and now Gijeong was gone too.

“I’ll definitely come back.”

They all left, leaving only that cruel, empty promise. The mainland kept luring people’s hearts, and the sea carried away those who floated on its waves. Once again, he was ruthlessly abandoned.

“All these Seoul folks coming and going lately felt fishy, and now they’re building some resort on that island? Is it that great?”

Ms. Bong made a fuss as she entered the tavern. Ten minutes by boat from the village was a small uninhabited island called “Dong Island.” Nicknamed “Dung Island” because it was geographically attached to the village’s rear, its name was softened by mainlanders who cared about appearances.

A few years ago, rumors spread about developing the tiny island into a pristine tourist spot, and ferry trips increased from three to five daily. Thanks to that, harbor seafood restaurants started seeing decent business from outside visitors.

The fishery chief was often away, shuttling between the township office and real estate agencies. Around then, many sold their land for high prices, tasted money, and quit fishing to dive into real estate.

But most fell for sweet-talking promises of multiplying their wealth, only to squander their assets. Betrayed by their naive trust, they drank heavily and threw themselves into the dark blue sea.

After work, the workers gathered at the tavern, idly discussing who died or overdosed this time. Over the past seven years, the relentless wave of development had completely changed the village’s atmosphere.

Regardless of the chatter, Hwang Jangyeop, sitting in the corner downing drinks, suddenly stood. Every eye in the tavern followed him. He tossed some money on the table for the drinks, said he was leaving, and walked out.

“Jangyeop, leaving already? Got somewhere to be?”

Mr. Park called after him, but the door closed before he could answer.

Mr. Kim clicked his tongue, pouring rice wine into Mr. Park’s cup. Filling his own, he took a sip and spoke bitterly.

“Where’s he going? To pick up that kid he dotes on like his own. Honestly, Jangyeop’s got no sense. Taking in that kid’s brother after he ran off with all the money, not even grateful for the favor. What’s so great about him? They always said not to take in dark-haired beasts.”

Ms. Bong, drinking nearby, jumped in eagerly.

“Speaking of which, what was his name… ugh, I forgot. Anyway, that Yeom kid. Thought he was a total dimwit like his father, but who knew he’d change his tune, grab the cash, and bolt? Who’d have thought he’d ditch even his own kin like that?”

“Yeah, exactly.”

Mr. Park, about to say something, closed his mouth, not wanting to stir trouble between the two agreeing.

It had been seven years since Gijeong vanished without a word. No news of where or how he was living, letting so much time pass. Did he not care at all about the brother he left with Hwang Jangyeop? Did he think Hwang Jangyeop would just handle it? Mr. Park couldn’t understand or defend Gijeong on that.

Right after Gijeong left, Hwang Jangyeop was a mess. For days, he sat at the harbor like a soulless man, then at night, drunk, he’d smash everything in sight. Exhausted, he’d collapse in his room, only to rush to the harbor at dawn again.

After a year of those meaningless days, he gave up and returned to his old self. But he wasn’t the same. He didn’t let anyone close, spoke less, and often went whole days without a word. He’d become as unyielding as stone.

With all that pain, Gijeong’s name alone should’ve made him grind his teeth. Yet, Hwang Jangyeop cared meticulously for the brother Gijeong left behind. Today, as always, he’d sail out to pick up Giyeong, now an elementary schooler. Thinking of it left a bitter taste. Mr. Park snatched the cup from the gossiping Ms. Bong, gulping to soothe his sour mood.

“No boarding? I got here on time! How does it make sense I can’t get on?”

When Hwang Jangyeop reached the ferry terminal, a woman’s sharp voice rang out from the ticket counter. She looked about forty, dressed in a fitted suit and heels, with neat makeup and an urban air in her speech and gestures.

Hwang Jangyeop passed her calmly and sat on one of the terminal’s chairs. His bulk filled more than half of the four attached seats.

Checking the wall clock, he estimated when Giyeong would arrive. Since Dong Island’s development began, outsiders came and went often, increasing ferry trips.

But it was still inconvenient, especially for young students. Catching the ferry and traveling alone wasn’t easy.

So, he finished work early to pick up Giyeong after school. It wasn’t just because he was fond of the boy. If Giyeong disappeared too, Hwang Jangyeop would truly have nothing left. Like a fairy who got her wings back and had no reason to return to the woodcutter, losing Giyeong would erase Gijeong’s reason to come back to the island.

It was a futile hope. Would someone who abandoned his own kin to live alone really return for him? The chances were slim. He knew it but couldn’t let go. A sliver of hope lingered.

“So you’re saying I have to wait two more hours?”

The woman at the counter raised her voice again, clearly frustrated at missing the boat despite arriving on time. But a departed ferry wouldn’t return, nor could they launch another to compensate her.

Tired of the endless complaints, Hwang Jangyeop stood. Waiting outside seemed better. He strode to the exit and was about to open the door when someone spoke behind him.

“There’s a boat, right?”

It was a vague question. Hwang Jangyeop didn’t realize it was directed at him. Thinking he misheard, he tilted his head and stepped outside.

But the person hurried after him, adding more explanation.

“A boat to Sojak Island, next to Dong Island. There’s one, right?”

The voice was clear and calm. It was bold, asking about a boat as if entrusting it to a stranger, especially to Hwang Jangyeop, who clearly wasn’t terminal staff.

Hwang Jangyeop frowned deeply and turned around, intending to check the face of the annoying follower. Behind him stood a man in a neat suit. The middle-aged woman from the ticket counter had followed too, looking between Hwang Jangyeop and the man. She seemed to be his companion.

But Hwang Jangyeop’s eyes saw only the man. He studied his eyes, nose, and mouth one by one. His tense face relaxed, and his eyes widened.

Seeing the man’s face, unchanged despite the years, he finally understood. Why he’d approached Hwang Jangyeop so confidently, asking about a boat to Sojak Island. He didn’t know what expression to make.

He said he’d come back.