UPLB Ch 27

A message had arrived from an unsaved number.

I’ll be there soon! I’m out front now.

Yang Juwon sent a reply to come slowly, then read the message from Choi Sungbin. Even just from the message, it was clear he was full of complaints.

You’re not going to answer today either, are you?

Lol

Alright. Have fun.

I’m not an idiot. I now knew that “have fun” didn’t really mean to have fun. Letting out a low sigh, I tapped on the keypad. What should I say?

I’ll try to stay in touch.

The reply was predictable.

Lol

I licked my lips. I was burning with anxiety.

Should I come over to your place after?

Huh.

No. You don’t need to come.

If I said something like, “Alright, see you tomorrow,” I was sure I’d get a flood of verbal attacks disguised as hurt feelings. Yang Juwon made a bit of a stubborn effort.

I want to come.

Then, unlike the previous curt replies, a gentle response came back: Okay.

“…….”

With an uneasy expression, I rubbed the screen’s smudges with my thumb as if cleaning it. I felt bad. Lying really didn’t suit me.

I had lied to Choi Sungbin. When I told him I had another appointment with Dongyoung, he gritted his teeth. I felt bad, but it wasn’t like I could say I was going to meet Youngnan. Fortunately or unfortunately, since I had met Dongyoung last week, I could use that as an excuse.

If it hadn’t been for that, Choi Sungbin, who knew how limited my social circle was, would have caught on long ago. Of course, I wouldn’t have heard anything pleasant.

“Look at you, living it up? Just because you reconnected with one friend, you ditch your boyfriend to go drink?”

“I don’t have any friends, but sunbae sure is lucky.”

“All my friends disappeared after I met you, sunbae. But you’ve got friends, huh?”

When I said I was going to meet Dongyoung, Choi Sungbin mocked me endlessly. I was nervous that my lie might be exposed, but it seemed Choi Sungbin was already irritated just by the fact that I was “meeting” someone.

Luckily, I managed to get his permission somehow. It was a hassle to personally go around to buy sushi for him in the early morning and even pick up a pint of ice cream, but in the end, it calmed him down.

There’s no one who doesn’t like being treated, but Choi Sungbin was visibly delighted. It was less about liking it and more about being openly joyful. He took being treated for granted, but he couldn’t hide his emotions and kept smiling with his eyes.

When he narrowed his eyes and said, “Can’t I come along next time? I’m curious about your friend, sunbae,” I felt like I had dodged a bullet this time. But as the day came, he was acting sulky for no reason.

Jingle—.

The shop door opened with a small bell sound. Yang Juwon, who had been swiping the screen with his finger, glanced in that direction.

“Juwon-ah.”

Youngnan waved and greeted him familiarly. Yang Juwon spread his fingers wide, giving an awkward wave back. It had been almost two years.

“Have you been waiting long?”

Youngnan approached the table, smiling warmly. Despite the long gap, she didn’t seem particularly awkward. I was the only one who felt uneasy.

Yang Juwon shook his head.

“No. I just got here.”

“Oh, good. Phew, it’s hot…”

Youngnan took a napkin from her bag and patted her forehead. Yang Juwon stared at her. She had gained some weight since the last time he saw her.

Back then, the phrase “skin and bones” suited her well. She had only been drinking back then. But lately, it seemed she was eating better.

She looked good now, but knowing it would be rude to comment on her appearance, he didn’t bring it up.

“Juwon-ah, I almost didn’t recognize you when I walked in.”

“Why?”

“Your style’s changed, and you just feel different somehow. Did you get your hair done?”

“Oh, yeah.”

He touched his forehead with an embarrassed expression. It was all Choi Sungbin’s doing. Today, he had tried to dress in a way that wouldn’t irritate Choi Sungbin, but Choi Sungbin had watched him and asked in a harmless tone:

“Did you two make a bet or something? Who could dress more like a beggar?”

Yang Juwon was speechless. Honestly, he didn’t think it was that bad. Maybe because he had lived his whole life wearing whatever clothes he had.

Was it really that bad? When he looked at Choi Sungbin, he covered his mouth with his fist and chuckled. Lately, Choi Sungbin laughed a lot. He laughed at everything I did, though I couldn’t quite figure out why.

But it was nice when Choi Sungbin laughed. It was better than when he frowned and looked at me disapprovingly.

“Juwon-ah, I’ll order for us. They have a famous menu here. Everyone comes for that set.”

It wasn’t a lie that she had wanted to visit this place. Youngnan opened the menu and naturally placed the order. When asked if he wanted to drink, Yang Juwon shook his head.

Youngnan ordered the set menu and a draft beer.

“Can you eat all that?”

“Yeah, I can finish this easily. You know I’ve always been a big eater.”

So now she eats well. That’s a relief.

After the waiter left, Youngnan looked at him with wide, curious eyes.

“Have you gotten into styling lately? Or did your girlfriend dress you up?”

Yang Juwon hesitated, unsure whether to say he was seeing someone. What if she asked more questions? Guilt and worry about her crossed his mind.

Even setting aside the anxiety and depression underlying Youngnan’s demeanor, he had seen firsthand how much she had suffered because of Choi Sungbin. And now he was seeing that same man. Knowing all this, how could he confidently say he was with someone? Especially since it was Choi Sungbin.

Was she asking because she already knew? A flood of thoughts raced through his mind.

“Uh, just…”

“You look grown-up, Juwon-ah.”

“You too…”

He trailed off for a moment. Youngnan smiled, her cheeks puffing up.

“You look good.”

“I’ve gained some weight lately… I should diet, but I just love eating too much.”

“Are you eating well?”

“Yeah. Too much, that’s the problem. I’ve been wanting to come here, but it’s awkward to come alone. I wouldn’t have made it if it weren’t for you.”

The draft beer and nachos came out as a basic appetizer. Yang Juwon finally looked around at the other tables. He had thought it was a Western restaurant, but everyone had one or two beers on their tables.

He still felt out of place in spots like this. No wonder Choi Sungbin nagged him about only taking him to dive bars.

Youngnan nibbled on the edge of a nacho.

“Are you going back to school next semester?”

“Yeah. But Juwon-ah, I…”

“Yeah, go ahead.”

“I transferred to the business department this time. I thought I wouldn’t make it since I took such a long leave, but luckily there was a spot.”

“Oh, uh, really… Why?”

“Just… I wanted a fresh start. That’s why I asked to meet today.”

So she wanted to meet to tell me about her transfer. Then it has nothing to do with Choi Sungbin? Maybe I was overthinking it.

The food arrived, and though they made small talk while eating, it felt awkward and uncomfortable. Yang Juwon ended up ordering a beer. He didn’t get drunk easily on beer, so one or two should be fine.

Honestly, he’d rather be with Choi Sungbin. He was definitely high-maintenance. His emotions were all over the place. When he was in a good mood, he’d act cute, put on a show, and even be a bit charming because he knew how to come off as a decent person. But when his mood swung, he’d get annoyed, nag, and be stubborn.

Still, I never felt awkward or wanted to leave when I was with him. I guess I’ve gotten used to it. To all of it…

“Juwon-ah, do you feel awkward?”

At her question, Yang Juwon finally looked at Youngnan properly. She was already on her second beer. He had barely taken three sips, and even those were hesitant.

“Maybe because it’s been a while.”

“Honestly, I felt a bit awkward too. The last time we saw each other was when I was in the hospital. But seeing you again, I’m glad. I was really nervous about reaching out.”

Yang Juwon couldn’t find a good response. It was hard to give her the reaction she wanted. He forced a smile.

“You’ll have to adjust to the new department now that you’ve transferred.”

“Business has so many people, it doesn’t really matter. My goal is just to graduate.”

Youngnan finished speaking and took a big gulp of her beer. “Just one more glass, okay?” she said, pressing the call bell.

“Not full yet?”

“Nope, I’m good. Ugh, I’ve been eating so much lately.”

“Well… as long as you’re not stuffed, that’s fine.”

Yang Juwon reached for his phone but hesitated. He needed to contact Choi Sungbin. He was probably waiting. But with Youngnan right in front of him, he couldn’t bring himself to do it.

She might ask who I’m texting. What would I say then?

My boyfriend? Choi Sungbin? A heavy guilt weighed on his shoulders.

Yang Juwon finally made an excuse about going to the bathroom and slipped outside. Sure enough…

What are we eating?

Are you really coming to my place?

Bring something tasty later.

Can’t you just bring your friend to our place? I want to hang out too.

“…….”

Choi Sungbin was probably thinking of Dongyoung, but a chill ran down my spine. I couldn’t let those two meet. It was a relief that Youngnan had transferred departments; if she were still in the same one, they would have definitely crossed paths. Then Choi Sungbin would find out I was connected to Youngnan, and she might figure out my relationship with him too.

I didn’t want to reopen healed wounds.

“Ha…”

Was I overreacting? Is this situation really that complicated? My head throbbed.

Why aren’t you answering your phone?

There were three missed calls too. I instinctively knew that if I replied now, Choi Sungbin would insist on coming to where I was. I stared at the phone for a moment before slipping it back into my pocket.

I’d be home soon anyway, so I could just contact him then.

📝

Why is it that every time he goes out, he doesn’t answer?

He has no manners when it comes to his boyfriend. This isn’t right. How can someone be like this?

Is it really that hard to send one message? Am I chasing him down? It’s not like he can’t use his hands while eating. Is he too busy chugging alcohol to notice?

Ugh, I can’t stand that guy. I even bought him a new phone, so why isn’t he answering?

Choi Sungbin, obsessively chewing on a hangnail, looked out the window. He wrapped his bleeding thumb with his other hand. He was so irritated he could barely stand it.

Why does Yang Juwon make things so hard? His leg shook restlessly.

That jerk. Can’t he send one text? Is it that hard to pick up a call for a second? Doesn’t he go to the bathroom at least once?

“I don’t want to send him off to drink…”

Muttering to himself, he collapsed onto the sofa. His messy hair was a wreck.

I don’t even drink, so I don’t fit with Yang Juwon. That guy loves alcohol, doesn’t he? He’s probably dying to drink. So why doesn’t he take me along? Is he embarrassed of me? Is that why he doesn’t bring me?

I didn’t know it’d be this hard. I just had to wait for Yang Juwon at home all the time.

I was always waiting for Yang Juwon. Weekdays with work, weekends with night shifts, and now this so-called friend was stealing him away too.

This isn’t right. Things feel different. Yang Juwon should be the one anxiously waiting, but it’s always me in this pathetic state. Choi Sungbin sighed and looked at his phone. Not only was there no callback, but the messages weren’t even read.

I didn’t want to be alone. I didn’t want to feel lonely either. It was nice being with Yang Juwon, but when he left me alone, it was hard.

Even if I got angry or complained, it always came back to square one. Choi Sungbin stared at his phone with wet eyes.

I want to break up. I mean it this time.

Overwhelmed with emotion, he snatched up his phone.

📝

“You don’t have to walk me home. I’m really fine!”

“It’s okay. I’ll just make sure you get into your building. It’s late.”

It wasn’t even 10 p.m. yet, but the area with studio apartments had many secluded alleys. Yang Juwon matched Youngnan’s pace. It had been a while since he walked with a woman. Unlike Choi Sungbin, who had a wide stride and fast pace, this was different.

As they walked silently, Youngnan asked,

“Juwon-ah, did you tell your girlfriend you were meeting me?”

Yang Juwon glanced down at her. He hadn’t mentioned anything about a girlfriend or boyfriend to Youngnan. He avoided bringing it up because he didn’t want her to pry.

Youngnan gave a knowing, subtle smile.

“I can tell. I feel it. …Were you worried I’d care?”

“Uh, yeah…”

“I did a lot of weird stuff to you back then, didn’t I? I should’ve apologized properly then. I think I hurt you too much, using my own struggles as an excuse. I’m sorry.”

His chest felt tight. He didn’t want an apology from her. He had just come out to see her today because she said she had something to say, thinking their relationship was already resolved.

They probably wouldn’t meet again. Probably. He pursed his lips for a moment.

“Youngnan-ah.”

“Yeah?”

“I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“Just… back then. I should’ve paid more attention.”

In truth, he was sorry for being with Choi Sungbin. He still liked Choi Sungbin. It was exhausting and tough at times, but there were also many joyful and happy moments. It was a relief that Youngnan seemed to have moved on, but still.

Then a thought struck him. While Youngnan was struggling to move forward, he was foolishly holding onto him. Everyone else was moving ahead, but he was stupidly stuck.

Youngnan smiled silently.

“This is my place. I’ll head in now.”

Youngnan stopped in front of her building. Her studio was at the end of an alley. It wasn’t much different from the building she used to live in—a rundown place with minimal security.

Yang Juwon nodded.

“Go in.”

He didn’t say “see you next time.” Youngnan, who had been waving goodbye, paused.

“Can I ask one more thing?”

“Yeah, it’s fine.”

“Does Choi Sungbin still go to our school?”

Yang Juwon swallowed hard. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he gulped. He tried to gauge her intentions.

Why was she asking me that? Does she know something?

“No, I just thought you might’ve run into him since you’re in the same department.”

“I’ve seen him a few times.”

“Oh, okay. I was just worried it’d be awkward if we crossed paths. I really don’t like him anymore! I’m going. You get home safe too!”

Youngnan quickly said goodbye and went inside. Yang Juwon hesitated but then turned to leave. Their departments were different now, so they wouldn’t run into each other.

It’s all fine now. Trying to reassure himself, he pulled his phone from his pocket.

“…….”

Youngnan wasn’t the issue… The real problem was this.

Let’s break up.

That was the last message from Choi Sungbin. Yang Juwon stopped in his tracks and read through the messages one by one. There were a few more below the ones he had seen in the preview.

I don’t get why you never answer when you go out.

Are you doing it on purpose? You know I hate this.

Why do you keep making people wait?

I’m always waiting for you, sunbae. Work, part-time jobs, and now I have to wait while you’re out drinking with friends?

I really hate this, sunbae.

Let’s break up.

The time he had arranged to meet Youngnan was 6:30 p.m. It was just past 10 p.m. now.

Honestly, he didn’t think he had neglected Choi Sungbin. They had talked on the phone before he entered the restaurant, and they had texted back and forth after sitting down.

At most, it was four hours—probably even less.

Seeing the flood of messages, he could picture how long Choi Sungbin had been waiting. He was probably sitting on the sofa or bed, waiting for me. Maybe even clutching his phone. Then, mulling over his thoughts, he must have sent that final message after reaching his own conclusion.

Why does Choi Sungbin hate it so much when I don’t reply? There wasn’t even a specific incident that triggered this.

Didn’t he used to find texting annoying? Early on, he ignored most of my messages.

“…….”

I know I shouldn’t think like this, but reading the messages made it hard to breathe.

I know Choi Sungbin can be stubborn and childish at times. I know he gets upset and angry if I don’t give him more than he expects…

It’s just once a week, and even that’s recent. I didn’t use to meet friends often. I was always with Choi Sungbin, just the two of us. Is it really so hard for him to wait a little that he’d go as far as saying we should break up?

He said he wouldn’t talk about breaking up anymore. So why is he doing this? It felt like pouring water into a jar that never filled up.

I’ll head home.

Yang Juwon sent the reply and started walking. Saying things like I don’t want to break up, why are you acting like this, or I’m sorry for making you wait through calls or texts wasn’t the right answer. Choi Sungbin probably knew that too.

That’s probably why he was acting this way. Because he knew.

📝

The plastic bag in his hand felt heavy. When he punched in the code and entered, the house was, as always, quiet. He didn’t think Choi Sungbin had gone out.

As expected, Choi Sungbin was sitting in the corner of the sofa.

He was hugging his knees, staring in the direction Yang Juwon came from. Yang Juwon expected him to snap, asking where he was crawling in from, but he just looked quietly. The atmosphere wasn’t just cold; it was haggard.

Yang Juwon held up the bag.

“I brought something tasty.”

“Didn’t you see my texts?”

“I saw them. Come here for now.”

He set the bag on the table and took out the food one by one. It was a snack set: tteokbokki, fish cakes, mini kimbap. Choi Sungbin was still watching him from the same spot. Yang Juwon wondered if he needed to appease him, but today he felt especially drained.

He had used up too much energy. Meeting Youngnan always left him like this.

“Let’s talk while we eat. Come on.”

After pursing his lips for a moment, Choi Sungbin finally got up. Yang Juwon cut the tteokbokki and fish cakes into bite-sized pieces for him. He also sliced the boiled egg and the complimentary fried seaweed rolls into small portions.

He handed chopsticks to Choi Sungbin, who pulled a chair across and sat down.

Normally, Choi Sungbin would have poured out complaints about eating this kind of food at this hour, calling it heavy or asking if Yang Juwon cared about health at all. But today, he quietly picked up a piece of tteokbokki and ate.

“Did you wait long?”

Yang Juwon said, bringing him a glass of water. Even sitting across from him, Choi Sungbin ate silently without looking up.

“I’m sorry for not staying in touch.”

In truth, there was something he felt even guiltier about. He had lied and met Youngnan.

What would Choi Sungbin do if he found out about the lie? If he learned Yang Juwon had met Youngnan… Honestly, just imagining it was horrifying.

Yang Juwon watched Choi Sungbin eat. Sometimes, understanding him was hard, even when he tried. Getting upset over a few hours of no contact, sitting at home all day like a pet waiting for its owner, or showing up unannounced at the library or the convenience store where Yang Juwon worked part-time when he couldn’t stand it anymore—those moments were countless.

This wasn’t the Choi Sungbin Yang Juwon had envisioned or hoped for. He used to keep a certain distance with everyone, playfully teetering on the edge of that line. He was always composed, never acting impatient or anxious.

Maybe it was because he had just seen Youngnan, but Yang Juwon was overthinking. Was this a healthy relationship?

Was he the one making things harder for Choi Sungbin? Had he stirred up Choi Sungbin, who had been doing fine on his own?

“…….”

Feeling Yang Juwon’s gaze, Choi Sungbin finally glanced up. When their eyes met, he put down the chopsticks he was holding.

“Aren’t you eating, sunbae?”

“Nah, I’m good.”

“I’m full.”

“Eat a bit more.”

Choi Sungbin rinsed his mouth with water. He fidgeted with his ear, acting distracted. He was slowly returning to his usual self.

His face revealed every emotion even when he acted like he wouldn’t share anything. It seemed his anger had subsided a bit. He flared up quickly and cooled down just as fast.

What would it take to satisfy Choi Sungbin? Yang Juwon had learned how to soothe and coax him to some extent, but that wasn’t the real solution. Choi Sungbin wasn’t satisfied with him. He got frustrated and irritated often.

Was that kind of affection even real? Yang Juwon wasn’t sure.

“Choi Sungbin.”

As he watched him quietly, he noticed the skin around Choi Sungbin’s eyes was slightly red. It stood out against his pale skin.

“Yeah?”

“The area around your eyes is red. Is it some kind of allergy?”

Choi Sungbin raised his eyes and looked at him with a sulky expression. Instead of answering, he just shook his head.

“They were itchy, so I scratched them.”

“It’s pretty red…”

“It’s fine. What did you eat, sunbae?”

Since he was asking first, his anger must have cooled off.

“I had pizza and pasta.”

“Do guys eat that kind of stuff together? You only eat pure Korean food with me.”

Yang Juwon gave an awkward smile and mumbled, “Yeah, I guess.” He tried to act casual, but a chill ran down his spine. He realized his mistake. It wasn’t the kind of vibe where two guys would go eat.

If Youngnan hadn’t said she wanted to go, Yang Juwon would never have known about that kind of restaurant. He glanced at Choi Sungbin. Luckily, he didn’t seem to pick up on the reaction.

“But don’t you like Korean food?”

“I do. But I want to try different things too. Not just places where old men hang out.”

“I’ll look into it, so let’s go eat something tasty next time.”

“Next time?”

“Yeah. Let’s go somewhere else. I’ll find a better place.”

Choi Sungbin’s lips twitched. He giggled to himself, then dropped his head. He picked up a piece of tteokbokki with his chopsticks and dropped it again. When he looked up, his usual pouty face was back.

“Are you less mad now?”

“Yeah.”

“I’m really sorry for not staying in touch.”

Choi Sungbin clicked his tongue shortly. After a brief pause, he spoke.

“I don’t want to say this, but you need to fix not replying when you’re out, sunbae. I hate that. Can’t you just stay in touch consistently? What’s so hard about it? All you’re doing is eating and drinking. I said this last week too.”

“Yeah.”

“Why do you make me feel like a psycho obsessed with texting? I don’t like interfering or ruining your fun either. But you should handle it yourself. Do I have to spell it out every time?”

“Yeah, you’re right…”

“I didn’t want to say let’s break up either. But when you don’t put me first, it keeps pissing me off.”

“Yeah, I’m sorry.”

“If your friends are so great, bring them to our place. Am I going to eat them? Am I embarrassing?”

“No, no, it’s not like that.”

“I can treat them too. I may not drink, but you know I can hang out at drinking spots. Do I ruin the vibe there?”

He didn’t ruin the vibe at drinking spots, but when it was just the two of them, if Yang Juwon even took a sip of beer, Choi Sungbin would list off the side effects of alcohol. He’d go on about how bad drinking was for the body.

He probably said it out of concern, but it did disrupt the flow.

Yang Juwon cautiously replied, “No, you don’t ruin it…”

“Sunbae.”

“Yeah?”

“What was that friend’s name again? Seo Dongyoung, right?”

Yang Juwon swallowed hard before answering.

“Yeah.”

He glanced nervously, worried his lie would be caught. Choi Sungbin, with his lips pulled down and a small walnut-shaped wrinkle on his chin, mumbled, “Is that so?” He always raised his tone at the end when he was suspicious. Was he doubting? Or was he just displeased?

Yang Juwon started a pointless mental battle.

“Tell him to come to our place.”

“When?”

“Now. You both love drinking, so you must feel reluctant to stop. You don’t even look like you drank much, sunbae. I’ll prepare drinks and snacks. I’ll even cover the taxi fare. If that’s too much hassle, I’ll pick him up while I’m out buying drinks, no big deal.”

“Uh, well…”

“I just want to meet your friend, sunbae.”

Yang Juwon thought the anger had subsided, but the situation was getting more complicated. He looked into Choi Sungbin’s eyes, trying to read his emotions. He wanted to figure out what Choi Sungbin was thinking, why he was insisting on calling Dongyoung.

But it was hard for him to understand. Choi Sungbin was inherently complicated and particularly harsh with him.

Was affection supposed to be this tough? Shouldn’t there at least be trust and faith? It was just once last week and once today that he went out, and a few hours of no contact justified this?

Yang Juwon shook his head.

“Dongyoung’s probably tired.”

“You call me Choi Sungbin, Choi Sungbin, but you call that guy Dongyoung?”

“I call you that sometimes too…”

“You don’t know how to be cute, sunbae. You know by now what I like. But sometimes I wonder if you’re doing it on purpose.”

“What are you trying to say?”

“Call him. Now. Don’t brush it off saying he’s tired. You were the one making a fuss about hanging out with him. Aren’t you reluctant to stop? I’ll match the vibe. I’ll sit by and let you two have fun—pour drinks, joke around, whatever. I’ll stay quiet. I just want to see his face, see what kind of person he is.”

“…….”

“You’re not going to introduce him? Am I that insignificant to you, sunbae?”

Yang Juwon looked into his eyes silently, trying to gauge his emotions. How much did he know? Was he testing him, already knowing everything?

He subtly averted his gaze, then met his eyes again. Tap, tap, tap. Choi Sungbin repeatedly tapped the table with his nails. The slightly unsteady rhythm made Yang Juwon uneasy.

‘Should I do it? What if he reacts badly? Is it okay?’

If Choi Sungbin found out he had met Youngnan, it would be like throwing bait.

“Sunbae?”

Choi Sungbin tilted his head. His sharp, narrow eyes wrapped around Yang Juwon like thorns. Finally, Yang Juwon swallowed his hesitation and stood up.

Startled by the sudden movement, Choi Sungbin’s eyes widened. His gaze followed Yang Juwon’s steps.

Yang Juwon approached him closely. Choi Sungbin, who had been holding his breath, slowly blinked and let out a soft exhale.

“I don’t want to call him.”

“Why not?”

“I want to be alone with you. That’s why I didn’t drink and came home.”

It wasn’t a lie, but he was hiding something bigger, and his voice trembled. He hoped Choi Sungbin wouldn’t notice.

This was the last time anyway. He wouldn’t cross paths with Youngnan again. They had broken up years ago, so what was the big deal about meeting up because she said she didn’t have friends?

Yang Juwon bent down toward the man looking up at him. Then he pressed his lips against his. He felt hard teeth and took in the man’s suppressed breaths. He recklessly slipped his tongue in.

‘Choi Sungbin hates it when I can’t keep up with this kind of vibe.’

With his eyes tightly shut, Yang Juwon did his best to make the kiss convincing. He rubbed his tongue, grazed Choi Sungbin’s teeth like he did, sucked on his lips eagerly, and took a big gulp of his tongue.

The lack of response from Choi Sungbin was scary. Yang Juwon slowly opened his eyes while their lips were still pressed together. Choi Sungbin was quietly watching him.

I messed up. Yang Juwon genuinely thought so. Their lips slowly parted. As he let out a heavy breath, Choi Sungbin finally burst into a soft laugh.

“…Why are you laughing?”

“You’re bad at kissing, sunbae.”

“I’m trying, aren’t I?”

“I know. That’s why I’m not saying anything.”

He always had something to say, so what did he mean “‘not saying anything”? If Yang Juwon was bad at kissing, Choi Sungbin would point it out. If he tried hard with his tongue, Choi Sungbin would snap, asking if a girlfriend taught him. Yang Juwon didn’t know what rhythm to follow, but this was just Choi Sungbin being himself.

“You really like me a lot, don’t you, sunbae?”

“…….”

“Even when you’re with friends, all you think about is me? You miss me so much you want to rush home?”

Choi Sungbin was perceptive and sensitive but also simplistic. He had a childish streak. He could spot someone who adored him and lingered around them.

“Alright. I’ll let it slide today. But next time you meet a friend, take me along. I want to meet them too, sunbae. I’m curious about what kind of person they are.”

Didn’t he consider that Yang Juwon’s friend might feel uncomfortable? Feeling awkward, Yang Juwon brushed his lips, and Choi Sungbin grinned widely.

“No need to worry. I’m not interested in any guy other than you, sunbae. I’m just curious about who you’re close with. You’re not the type to talk about your friends.”

Choi Sungbin had already softened. His mood lifted, and he chattered away. Was it not suspicion but just a desire to meet Yang Juwon’s friend? Had Yang Juwon been overthinking and getting scared on his own?

“Maybe next time, if there’s a chance.”

Yang Juwon slowly lowered his chin and nodded. A rare laugh came from Choi Sungbin. He let out a slightly silly chuckle.

When Yang Juwon looked up in surprise, Choi Sungbin grabbed his cheeks with both hands and pecked his lips repeatedly. Smack, smack, smack, smack, smack… The sound echoed rhythmically. This was different from when he snapped about hating this side of Yang Juwon or threatened to break up. No one would reject someone who adored them, but for Choi Sungbin, that gap was even wider.

Yang Juwon looked at the man brushing his cheeks.

“Ugh, you’re so ugly.”

He teased while kneading Yang Juwon’s cheeks, but his eyes were warm.