7MoH 4.1
by Springlila21. So long, Windcrest
Time flew by quickly, and many things changed.
Jeong-in’s makeover video went viral , creating a much bigger impact than expected. Vivian Sinclair’s YouTube channel and social media exploded in popularity. Her follower count easily surpassed one million and grew exponentially, with various brands rushing to offer collaborations and sponsorships. She was no longer just a local hot shot but had become the mega-influencer she had always wanted to be.
Madison Wilkes, who had anxiously awaited results after being waitlisted, was ultimately accepted to Syracuse University as she had hoped. She recorded the moment she received her acceptance email and posted a video of herself screaming in joy with Vivian on social media. Jeong-in secretly liked her post.
Darius Thompson and Alex Martinez both received football scholarships to attend USC. Darius gave Jeong-in a rather expensive fountain pen with a short but sincere message of gratitude written in rough handwriting, saying that without Jeong-in, he might have failed math and had to spend another year in school.
Brian Cole went to the University of Miami. He had kept quiet about his school choice until the end, but it seemed he wanted to get far away from home. Those who knew about his parents’ messy divorce proceedings understood his choice.
Not everyone went to college. Max Schneider decided not to attend university and instead learn directly from his father who ran an auto repair shop.
The Math Elite Society members who shared a love for mathematics also went their separate ways. Justin was accepted to MIT, Rajesh to Caltech, and most others went to prestigious STEM schools like Berkeley and Georgia Tech.
The graduation day happened to fall on Jeong-in’s birthday.
On a June morning with warm sunshine. The sky was clear, and a fresh summer breeze gently swept across the lawn. The air was filled with the scent of blooming roses and the excitement of graduation.
The graduating students gathered in front of the stage set up on the field, wearing black graduation gowns. The golden tassels on their mortarboards swayed gently in the breeze. They took photos in small groups, and some already had reddened eyes.
Jeong-in sat in the front row next to Chase. Unlike the others, he had a red sash draped over his shoulder.
Jeong-in had been selected as this year’s valedictorian. This honor was given to the student with the highest academic achievement in the graduating class. Although his grades hadn’t met expectations in junior high due to his limited English, this year he had achieved the highest GPA at Windcrest.
“Please, everyone take your seats. The graduation ceremony will begin shortly!”
Following the announcer’s instructions, students began to take their seats one by one.
After the principal’s unremarkable speech, various special awards and scholarships were presented. Applause erupted each time a recipient went up on stage, and some wiped away tears of emotion.
Finally, Jeong-in’s turn approached. The announcer took the microphone again and introduced this year’s valedictorian.
“Now, we will hear from this year’s Windcrest High School Class of 20** valedictorian, Jay Lim.”
Jeong-in took a short deep breath as if to calm his nerves, then slowly stood up. Applause erupted around him, and Chase saw him off with a gentle smile. His eyes were filled with pride and encouragement as he looked at Jeong-in.
Standing at the podium, Jeong-in looked around the field. The graduating students sat in the chairs in front, and behind them were family and friends who had come to celebrate. Among the audience, he could also spot Suzy.
Controlling the overwhelming emotions rising in his heart, Jeong-in began to speak into the microphone.
“Hello. I am this year’s valedictorian, Jay Lim.”
Another round of applause followed the brief greeting. Jeong-in took a small breath and began his story.
“I tried to find the right word to describe my high school experience over the past four years. But no matter how much I thought about it, I couldn’t find a word that fit perfectly. Nothing seemed appropriate.”
Jeong-in looked at the audience and continued calmly.
“There were days when I was angry, and days when I was afraid. There were many moments when I blamed myself for not being strong enough, and days when just getting through each day was overwhelming.”
Jeong-in’s voice flowed gently over the lawn.
Jeong-in’s teenage years as an immigrant who came at a relatively late age had not been easy. The language, the culture, people’s gazes—everything was unfamiliar and burdensome. Jeong-in always felt like he was falling behind, and sometimes that was unbearably anxiety inducing.
“What I did when things were tough was, embarrassingly, to hate others. The popular crowd, the cool, pretty, and stylish people. It was just easier to ignore and hate them. Although it’s late, I offer my deepest apologies, Vivian Sinclair.”
Laughter erupted across the field. Vivian, sitting somewhere in the middle, also chuckled.
Though he said it like a joke, everything Jeong-in was saying was true. For these reasons, he had formed the Hate Chase Club with Justin and created their book of grievances.
“But then, someone appeared who shattered my prejudices and arrogance. And I realized that everyone has their own circumstances.”
Everyone was carrying their own weight.
Athletes, cheerleaders—each had their own hardships, and even the seemingly perfect Chase Prescott had his own shortcomings and worries.
“We all misunderstand and are misunderstood by others. But with just a little understanding, you can create amazing connections. If you’re lucky, you might even meet a lifelong friend…”
Jeong-in’s gaze naturally turned toward Justin. As their eyes met, Justin grinned and gave a thumbs up.
“Or you might even meet a lover. Trust me. I’ve experienced it all.”
This time, Jeong-in looked at Chase. Whistles rang out from the crowd.
“Lim! Prescott! Get married!”
Max’s mischievous voice caused another round of laughter among the students.
“Now we’re ready to enter the bigger world.”
As he said this, Jeong-in looked at the faces of the graduates below the podium. Expressions mixing anticipation, excitement, and a touch of fear were visible.
“We’ll experience incredibly happy moments and rock-bottom moments. There’s only one thing we need to do going forward.”
Jeong-in deliberately paused. The field was quiet, and everyone was waiting for his next words.
Jeong-in spoke in a clear voice:
“Even if we fall, we get back up. And we keep walking. So let’s walk together. Windcrest Class of 20**! Congratulations on your graduation!”
Applause erupted. The sound of clapping grew louder and eventually turned into thunderous cheers.
Finally, the diploma ceremony followed.
“Jeong-in. Jay Lim.”
As Jeong-in, who had been called, went up to the podium, Principal Ethan Smith handed him his diploma with a gentle smile. He had also written a recommendation letter praising Jeong-in’s perseverance, ambition, intellectual curiosity, and competitive spirit.
“Congratulations.”
Principal Smith reached out and moved the tassel on Jeong-in’s mortarboard from right to left. Moving the tassel, which was positioned on the right before graduation, to the left was a tradition of American high school graduation ceremonies.
“Graduates! Congratulations to all of you!”
The students cheered and threw their mortarboards high into the air. A wave of black caps soared toward the blue sky.
And so, the graduation ceremony ended in a heated and exhilarating atmosphere.
The students dispersed to their families, and a scene of mixed laughter and tears unfolded. Among the students embracing their parents while holding their diploma folders, Justin could be seen in the arms of his parents.
Looking at that scene, Jeong-in slowly turned his head. When their eyes met, Chase smiled.
Today, Chase’s parents didn’t come. He had said that his father was in New York, and his mother was in Switzerland for Art Basel. Chase seemed unbothered, which actually made Jeong-in’s heart ache even more.
Jeong-in gently took Chase’s hand. Chase looked down in surprise for a moment, then slowly wrapped his hand around Jeong-in’s.
Without letting go of each other’s hands, Jeong-in walked to Suzy. Suzy greeted the two with a warm smile. She first hugged Jeong-in, then Chase. The three shadows were cast side by side on the lawn.
After graduation, most students often dined at restaurants with their parents or held small celebration parties at home with family. Some also held graduation parties with friends.
Chase carefully asked Suzy,
“Would it be okay if I borrowed your son today?”
His tone was slightly playful, but his eyes were serious.
Suzy burst into a small laugh. Then, after looking back and forth between Jeong-in and Chase for a moment, she nodded slightly.
“Go ahead.”
But then, she looked at the two with a more serious gaze.
“I’m so proud of you both. You’ve done so wonderfully.”
Her voice was filled with deep emotion. She remembered Jeong-in when he first immigrated. Young Jeong-in trying to adapt in a strange language and environment. The memory of that boy who wore out his English dictionary every night, and now he was proudly wearing his graduation gown, giving a speech as the valedictorian.
Suzy wiped away the tears that had gathered at the corners of her eyes, and Jeong-in embraced her tightly. Within the embrace of the now-grown Jeong-in, Suzy slowly exhaled. The sunlight settling on their shoulders gently enveloped the two.
“I’m proud of you, my son. Have the best birthday.”
After seeing Suzy off, Jeong-in and Chase walked toward the building to return their mortarboards and gowns. Near the return area, graduates had already gathered, each busy recording their final moments.
Vivian and Madison were also there. They were posing with their gowns open, showing off the beautiful dresses they wore underneath. It seemed they intended to take as many photos as possible before returning their gowns.
Madison spotted the two and waved happily.
“Jay! Chase!”
Vivian pretended not to notice and turned her gaze away. But she couldn’t hide the fact that she was aware of them, glancing sideways.
“Want to take photos together before returning the gowns?”
“Sure.”
Jeong-in, who answered without hesitation, pulled Chase’s hand. Just as they were going behind Vivian and Madison, a boisterous sound was heard from afar.
“Hey! Freeze!”
“Are you taking photos without us?”
With familiar voices, large figures came rushing in. It was the varsity football team players Darius Thompson, Brian Cole, Alex Martinez, and Max Schneider. A unique athletic energy emanated from their robust shoulders visible over their graduation gowns.
As if unwilling to miss the opportunity to be in the photo, they approached with long strides and stood on either side of the four who were posing.
“A selfie won’t work. We won’t all fit in the frame.”
As Vivian snapped her fingers, her waiting manager came over and held up the camera.
At that moment, Chase noticed Justin in the distance, looking at them enviously. Justin was fidgeting with the hem of his graduation gown, standing with an awkward expression. Chase put his fingers to his mouth and whistled.
“Hey! Just! Come over here, let’s take a photo together!”
Justin hesitated but didn’t refuse, slyly approaching. As he cautiously entered the group, Max Schneider naturally extended his fist. Justin greeted him with a light fist bump. It was a friendship formed over dumplings.
Vivian’s manager held the camera, adjusting the composition, and said,
“Okay, I’m going to take the picture. When I count to three, you say ‘Windcrest.'”
Everyone naturally struck a pose.
Vivian and Madison knelt down and bent slightly. Justin, standing next to them, seemed very nervous but made a V sign with his fingers and smiled. His expression had a bit of awkwardness along with a strange excitement. Perhaps it was because of the premonition that this photo taken next to Vivian Sinclair would remain a treasured memento for a long time.
Darius and Max struck playful poses, while Brian smiled with confidence. Madison made a heart with her fingers and smiled cutely.
Chase put his arm around Jeong-in’s shoulder, and Jeong-in leaned slightly against his arm, a bright smile on his face.
“Alright, taking the picture! One, two, three.”
At that moment, everyone shouted in unison,
“Windcrest!”
***
22. Love bite
The sun’s rays painted the sky in a warm orange hue as Jeong-in and Chase headed toward the parking lot after taking their photos and returning their gowns and mortarboards.
The parking lot was already crowded with people. The sound of students and families exchanging final goodbyes created a peculiar lingering feeling in the air.
Chase naturally slid into the driver’s seat and glanced at Jeong-in, who sat in the passenger seat. He had placed his familiar black backpack on his knees.
Though Jeong-in usually carried a book or workbook with him, today his bag looked unusually heavy. Chase wondered what he had packed so thoroughly when the semester had already ended. Starting the engine, he asked casually,
“Why the bag?”
“Just something.”
Jeong-in hugged the bag tightly and turned his gaze toward the window. Though he spoke as if it were nothing, there was a subtle tremor in his voice suggesting he was hiding something.
Chase gripped the steering wheel and started driving as he asked,
“What’s so precious in there? Your shame book?”
Jeong-in flinched and glared at Chase before breaking into a smile. His words suddenly reminded him of a day in the past, the day he discovered Chase had his grievance book. How he had trembled with fear that day.
Glancing at the surroundings, Jeong-in belatedly realized that Chase’s car was heading toward Bradshaw Street instead of Palm Grove Drive. This wasn’t their usual direction.
“Where are we going, by the way?”
“My house.”
Jeong-in hadn’t visited Chase’s house many times.
First, Chase himself didn’t particularly like his own home, and Jeong-in also found it somewhat uncomfortable.
In that excessively luxurious place, he felt he couldn’t casually relax or easily lean back and rest. The space, where not a single piece of furniture or decoration was placed carelessly, felt clean to the point of being cold and dry. It was so perfect that it felt more like a showroom than a living space.
Moreover, his house had many staff members, from the butler managing the mansion to the personal chef, gardener, and housekeepers. Though Chase insisted it was fine, Jeong-in felt like he’d always have to be conscious of people’s gazes even at home.
The place where the two usually stuck together like glue was on Jeong-in’s small single bed in his modest room.
Without a single complaint about the narrowness, Chase would curl up and lie on Jeong-in’s small bed for hours. He said he liked how the room, which smelled of Jeong-in, seemed to embrace him. So Jeong-in found it strange that Chase was now suggesting they go to his house.
Soon, the silver convertible, which had been driving along Bellevue Boulevard, turned onto Crestview Drive.
The scenery flowing past the window was already tinged with sunset. The sky burned with a soft orange light, and palm trees swayed beneath it. The distant sea sparkled in the evening sunlight. The redness spreading over the waves seemed to seep into the sandy beach.
Chase’s car turned around the last curve of Crestview Drive and stopped in front of the mansion’s gate. The black iron gate opened automatically, revealing a neatly arranged driveway. Garden trees grew thick on both sides, and outdoor lights began to turn on here and there.
Upon entering the main building, the butler, whom they had encountered several times, greeted them. Chase, who had warned him not to go near the guest house, walked with unrestrained strides. The two passed through the familiar hallway of the main building, past the spacious pool, and headed toward the guest house.
The living room of the guest house, which had a bit more lived-in feel than the main building, had plush sofas. Just as Jeong-in was about to sit on one of them, Chase called him.
“Leave the bag there and come here, Jeong-in.”
Hesitating while hugging the bag as if it contained treasure, Jeong-in gently placed it on the sofa and approached Chase.
Chase stood behind Jeong-in. And without any warning, he raised one hand and covered Jeong-in’s eyes.
“Don’t open your eyes.”
Chase carefully guided Jeong-in somewhere. It felt like that night when they went to see the nightscape after the math competition.
The sensation under Jeong-in’s feet changed. At first, it was a solid marble floor, but suddenly it felt soft and plush.
“Okay, open your eyes.”
Chase removed his hand that was covering Jeong-in’s eyes. When he finally opened them, Jeong-in’s face was filled with surprise and emotion.
A private cinema for two had been set up in the middle of the lawn.
A large white cloth hung between two wide wooden poles swayed gently in the wind, and in front of it was a spacious picnic mat. Several cushions and a thick blanket were placed on the mat, making it look cozy at first glance.
And beyond the screen of this cinema, there was an open view of the sea. The evening glow gradually faded, and the reddened sky spread over the ocean. A gentle sea breeze lightly ruffled Jeong-in’s hair as it passed.
Jeong-in roughly arranged his hair with his fingers while savoring the romantic scene before him. This was another world created by Chase. Only for the two of them.
He slowly looked around at the scene before him and then turned to Chase standing beside him. Chase still wore a gentle smile.
“Do you like it?”
Chase’s voice resonated deeply. Jeong-in nodded silently. He more than liked it, his heart was overflowing.
“Wait here for a moment. Let’s eat dinner first.”
“Dinner?”
Jeong-in blinked at the unexpected statement. But Chase just nodded meaningfully, as if he had something prepared.
As he moved toward the guest house, Jeong-in carefully stepped onto the picnic mat. When he leaned slightly against the bean bag cushion placed on the mat, it gently enveloped his body. It was much more comfortable than expected.
Jeong-in quietly closed his eyes.
A cool breeze brushed against his skin. As the evening deepened, the air became a bit cooler, but not uncomfortably. Bird songs could be heard from somewhere. The waves of the pool near the guest house made a gentle sound.
How many minutes had passed? As there was a rustle from behind, Chase appeared. In one hand, he held two glasses, and in the other, he cradled a large ice bucket.
“Let’s start with an aperitif.”
He took a bottle out of the ice bucket. A shimmering green bottle. Though he didn’t look at the label, it clearly seemed like an expensive champagne. Chase skillfully uncorked the bottle and filled Jeong-in’s glass first.
The golden liquid swirled and rippled. Thin bubbles rose softly in the glass.
Chase filled his own glass as well and lightly raised it.
“Happy birthday.”
The two glasses met with a clear, beautiful sound. Jeong-in placed his lips on the rim of the thin glass and slowly took a sip.
At first, the lightly fizzing carbonation tickled the tip of his tongue. But soon, a pleasant acidity was felt. The grape aroma spread softly, with a hint of apple or pear-like fruitiness. It had a clean yet deep flavor. Jeong-in held the glass in his hand, momentarily savoring the lingering taste in his mouth.
“It’s delicious.”
“Really? I’m glad.”
Unexpected joy and surprise spread across Jeong-in’s face. Perhaps he was good with alcohol after all. He might even come to enjoy it later.
Chase put down his glass and got up. He went back inside the guest house and reappeared a few minutes later, this time carrying a large tray with handles on both sides.
On the tray was a steaming mac and cheese. The cheese glistened, meltingly moist, with a slightly browned topping covering the surface.
Jeong-in’s eyes widened as he asked,
“Did you make this yourself?”
“Well, not exactly… but I heated it up myself.”
Jeong-in burst into laughter. Chase extended his fork toward Jeong-in proudly as he added,
“Look here, I sprinkled the parsley myself. See that perfect heart shape? Michelin star quality, right?”
“No way.”
Chase stared intently at Jeong-in, who was smiling brightly with crinkled eyes, then spoke in a more serious tone.
“For your next birthday, I’ll make you a proper home cooked meal.”
To Jeong-in, those words sounded like a confession that they would spend the next birthday together too.
Jeong-in picked up a fork and took a big bite of the mac and cheese that Chase claimed to have heated up himself. The warm pasta and melting cheese filled his mouth.
The creamy sauce was savory with a deep flavor, and each bite of the crispy topping brought a subtle nuttiness. The taste, warm, rich, and substantial, seemed much more impressive than anything store-bought.
Chase opened his mouth as if asking to be fed. When Jeong-in scooped up pasta, cheese, and topping with his fork and offered it to him, he ate it with an extremely satisfied expression.
After finishing the bowl, Chase went back to the guesthouse and returned with popcorn that smelled strongly of butter. Then he used the remote to start a movie.
Light poured from the projector set up behind the picnic mat, projecting a clear black and white image onto a large white cloth.
Jeong-in asked while munching,
“By the way, what’s the movie title?”
“Night and the City.”
“Never heard of it.”
“Actually, me neither. I asked Siri. I said I needed to recommend the most impressive looking black and white movie to watch with my lover.”
Jeong-in burst out laughing at his honesty.
The film began with the dark, damp streets of London at night, the unsteady flickering of streetlights, and a man frantically running away somewhere.
As Jeong-in watched the movie while occasionally putting popcorn in his mouth, he spotted a familiar face on the screen.
“Oh? That’s Gene Tierney.”
“You know her?”
The face with an elegant smile tinged with subtle coldness wasn’t unfamiliar. Gene Tierney was an actress who was beautiful but also had an unapproachable aura.
Jeong-in once told Justin that Chase’s mother resembled Gene Tierney when describing her appearance.
“Doesn’t she look like your mother? Actually, I’ve met her before, your mother.”
Jeong-in told Chase about the first time he met his mother. On the day of a charity event, Jeong-in had helped support her as she staggered drunk and escorted her to the study.
Chase’s expression darkened gradually as he listened to the story.
“…My mother has issues.”
Lillian had once suffered from severe alcohol dependency. It had improved a bit now, but in the past, it was so serious that she couldn’t function in daily life and had even entered a rehabilitation facility in Arizona. Of course, publicly it was said that she had gone on a European trip.
“Still, my mother is better than my father. At least she doesn’t see me as a tool.”
Jeong-in quietly looked at Chase.
Just as written in the contract on the Sallis Diner napkin, Chase didn’t keep secrets from Jeong-in.
He knew what had happened between Chase and his father. He also vaguely sensed that Chase’s father knew about him, and that someday he would have to face him.
Chase had everything, yet he often looked at him with the eyes of the poorest man. Jeong-in wanted to embrace such Chase and the wounds he never spoke of.
And if someday he had to fight for his happiness, whether against his father, the president, or the pope, Jeong-in had no intention of losing.
“Wow, that was heavier content than I expected.”
The movie was about a con man who chased illusions, lost love, and was driven to the edge. The story ended with his murdered body being thrown into the river.
Throughout the movie, Chase had been absent mindedly playing with Jeong-in’s hand and wrist.
“I still enjoyed it though.”
The large letters “The End” appeared on the screen, and soon the projector turned off. When the light disappeared from the screen, everything immediately darkened. The sunset had already faded, and the sky was dyed a deep navy blue.
Jeong-in lightly stretched his arms. At that moment, he felt a strange sensation on his wrist. Instinctively looking down at the cool metallic feeling, he saw his wrist.
On his wrist was an intricately crafted bracelet. In the center hung an infinity symbol pendant, symbolizing infinity or eternity, and the bracelet string was densely connected with small black onyx beads.
“Oh? This is…”
“Happy birthday, Jeong-in.”
Chase whispered congratulations once more.
He embraced Jeong-in fully and kissed him deeply. He gently bit his small lips, then softly sucked on them, occasionally grazing the tender membrane inside his lips with his teeth.
Their warm breaths mingled. As Jeong-in’s lips parted slightly, Chase smoothly slipped his tongue inside.
The two tongues meeting in that narrow space intertwined gently, then separated, over and over. The pressed lips finally parted with a moist sound after a long while.
Jeong-in stopped Chase as he tilted his head to the opposite side and approached again after briefly pulling away.
“Hey, Chase.”
“Yeah.”
Chase answered softly and leaned in again. But Jeong-in moved his body slightly backward, avoiding his lips.
“Could you get my bag for me?”
At Jeong-in’s words, Chase gave him one more quick kiss, as if reluctant, then grudgingly rose from his seat. When he returned shortly after, he was holding Jeong-in’s bag.
Jeong-in took the bag as carefully as if it contained explosives. Then he extended it toward Chase.
“Open it.”
“Huh?”
Chase tilted his head curiously.
“Why? You’re the one with the birthday. Is there a present for me in here?”
Jeong-in didn’t answer.
Chase glanced at Jeong-in before looking down at the bag. He shrugged and casually unzipped it.
After briefly looking inside the open bag, he hastily zipped it back up. Then he turned his head from side to side, checking their surroundings.
His face, drained of color, was quite a sight. His expression showed he couldn’t believe what he’d just seen.
Chase opened the bag once more to peer inside, as if he couldn’t trust his own eyes even after seeing it directly.
Inside Jeong-in’s bag was a heap of various lubricants, creams, and condoms with embarrassingly explicit advertising phrases. The condoms even seemed to come in all sizes and types, as if he were planning to film a review video.
Chase absently reached out and picked up a plastic container filled with transparent liquid. The packaging had a confident slogan written in large print.
“The ultimate choice for a night of ecstasy…?”
“I didn’t know what we’d need, so I bought one of each type. I spent weeks’ worth of my allowance.”
“Jeong-in… this is… so sudden…”
Chase stared at Jeong-in with a dazed expression, holding the box of lubricant in one hand.
Jeong-in lowered his eyes slightly, as if about to say something suggestive and risqué.
“You know what? I can now vote in the presidential election.”
Thud, the lubricant Chase was holding fell to the floor.
Chase spoke as if entranced.
“…My God, that’s the sexiest thing I’ve ever heard.”
Jeong-in approached Chase on his hands and knees, like a cat. Then he pushed against Chase’s shoulders. Chase, losing his balance and leaning back, supported himself with one elbow on the floor.
Jeong-in continued, looking at Chase as if he were about to say something incredibly provocative,
“Now I can be prosecuted as an adult under criminal law.”
“Are you trying to drive me crazy? Stop right now, Jeong-in.”
Growing bolder, Jeong-in straddled Chase’s thighs.
“I can legally get married without parental consent.”
Chase stared at Jeong-in, frozen like a statue. Suddenly, Jeong-in’s shoulders twitched slightly. Though Chase was completely still, something was moving underneath him. Jeong-in felt the unmistakable hardness beneath him. It was like sitting on the kraken, the legendary sea monster from science fiction movies.
He had felt it against his body a few times before when they were kissing on the bed, but had been in denial. The very thing that had made him mistake Chase for a baguette smuggler.
Even though he had been mentally preparing himself, thinking it wouldn’t be ordinary, he couldn’t help feeling anxious.
But he still had a few more lines prepared.
“I can sign rental agreements and file tax returns myself…”
“Ah, stop, Jeong-in. I can’t take it anymore.”
Chase suddenly stood up, still holding Jeong-in who was sitting on top of him. Startled at being lifted into the air so quickly, Jeong-in reflexively wrapped his arms around his neck.
Carrying Jeong-in effortlessly, Chase moved without hesitation. He headed toward his bedroom where a large bed was placed.
Chase’s hand carefully supported Jeong-in’s nape. His large hand cradled from his neck to the back of his head, as if laying down a baby.
Soon, the moderately soft mattress touched Jeong-in’s back, along with the cool sensation of linen.
Chase, who had been supporting himself with his arms and knees around Jeong-in’s body, inserted one knee between his thighs and spread them to create space. Then he positioned himself between his parted legs.
Jeong-in’s thighs parted, and Chase’s thighs touched the inside of his. Compared to Chase’s substantial thighs, Jeong-in’s were like forearms.
As Chase moved closer, their lower bodies pressed together. Chase was wearing a shirt and black jeans. Even through the thick, stiff fabric of his pants, Jeong-in could clearly feel something heavy pressing against his groin.
Chase’s gaze rested on the fine hairs at the edge of Jeong-in’s forehead. Thin strands of hair were stuck to his slightly shiny forehead, damp with nervous sweat.
“Are you hot?”
“No… just nervous.”
Chase smiled as if finding her cute and smoothed her hair.
“It’ll be alright.”
Chase tried to reassure Jeong-in with a smile, but it didn’t have much effect.
Jeong-in still didn’t know the sexual preferences of this man he’d been dating for over a year. Would he be gentle, or rough? He’d heard some people suddenly choke or swear at or hit their partners, surely he didn’t have that kind of unusual sexual desire?
“Jeong-in, focus.”
Chase tapped Jeong-in’s forehead with his index finger, seemingly bemused that he was lost in thought even in this situation.
Then, gently caressing his cheek, he left a sweet warning,
“Soon you won’t be able to think about anything else.”
Chase, pinning Jeong-in’s body between his arms like restraints, lowered his head again. Then, as if eating soft-serve ice cream, he gently bit Jeong-in’s lips and softly sucked on them.
Kissing him was always intoxicating. When watching foreign TV shows or movies, their kisses somehow seemed more erotic. Not simply pressing lips together, but savoring each other like delicious food, it was unfamiliar yet strangely appealing.
Jeong-in was experiencing such kisses firsthand and moving to the next stage.
“Mmm…”
A moan mixed with nasal sounds escaped him. Jeong-in seemed completely unaware that he was making such sounds every time they kissed.
Finding this endearing, Chase smiled, stretching the corners of his lips. Then he gently bit hislower lip and pushed his tongue through the gap.
Like trying to melt an ice cube in his mouth, Chase’s tongue rolled around Jeong-in’s. Mmm, another ticklish moan sounded.
His affectionate and curious tongue explored every corner of Jeong-in’s mouth. Though they kissed daily, each time felt new as he explored with his tongue, the boundary between teeth and gums, the inner cheek membrane, the area near the frenulum under the tongue.
Then he stimulated Jeong-in’s tongue, encouraging it to move. When Jeong-in gently rubbed his tongue against Chase’s, he would become excited and suck firmly on it, as if trying to extract moisture.
Wet sounds echoed each time Chase tilted his head. The feeling of tongues being squeezed and pressed together sent tingling sensations between Jeong-in’s thighs.
Their lips parted with a lingering slickness. At a distance where their noses could almost touch, they looked at each other, both breathing heavily. Their humid breaths intertwined between their faces.
“Haah… it’s hot.”
Feeling his body heat rising, Chase sat up. Then he began to remove his shirt.
Jeong-in’s lips went dry. The sight of Chase sitting between his parted legs, staring down at him like prey while undressing, was incredibly sensual. Despite it being June in California, with no reason to feel cold, a chill ran down his spine.
With each button his long fingers unfastened, his smoothly toned chest and abdomen were gradually revealed. After undoing all the buttons, he dropped the shirt to the floor beside the bed as if tossing it away.
Chase’s body was perfect. His broad shoulders, extending from well-defined trapezius muscles, were straight and angular, making his physique stand out even when he wore just a thin t-shirt.
The oblique muscles along his sides, extending from his well-developed chest following his ribcage, were finely separated like a shark’s gills. Each time he moved, those muscles rippled like waves.
Below, his clearly defined abdominal muscles cast deep shadows, and the V-line extending from his abdomen to his pelvis was as perfect as if sculpted. Between them, vein patterns were clearly visible, extending toward his intimate area, creating a sensual atmosphere.
The creator must have taken extra care when forming him. Jeong-in’s heart pounded at the natural strength and energy emanating from his body.
Chase sighed deeply as if finally able to breathe, then reached out toward Jeong-in.
During their year together, his hands, which had been slapped away several times when trying to slip under Jeong-in’s t-shirt, were now very careful and cautious.
Like stroking a cat that might show its claws at any moment, Chase reached out unhurriedly. His hand, trembling with extreme excitement, gently pulled off Jeong-in’s thin knit top and the t-shirt underneath in one motion.
Feeling the chill as his bare skin was exposed to the air, Jeong-in hunched his shoulders. This made his collarbones stand out more prominently, a spot Chase had always wanted to taste.
Jeong-in’s naked body was something Chase had only seen in his unnecessarily long showers, or when alone in bed urging himself toward a hollow climax.
In his imagination, Jeong-in would writhe in ecstasy, letting out scream like moans and clinging to him. Jeong-in couldn’t even imagine how forbidden those scenes had been.
Chase’s eyes wandered over Jeong-in’s body. His gaze felt like a sticky liquid.
“Ah, don’t look!”
Jeong-in wrapped his arms around himself, trying to cover his chest and stomach. His body was flat and thin everywhere. Jeong-in had never been confident about his appearance, especially here where tanned skin and developed muscles were considered virtues.
Chase gently stroked Jeong-in’s hunched shoulders. The skin that touched his hand was as soft as if sprinkled with powdered sugar.
“Move your hands. Hmm? I’ve waited for over a year.”
Chase caressed Jeong-in’s shoulders and the outside of his arms, barely managing to coax him into lowering the hands that covered his body.
Jeong-in’s milky white body, as if sculpted from moonlight, came into full view. Every visible part was clear and white, as if never touched by sunlight. Both his color and the sheen of his skin resembled porcelain. He looked so delicate, as if he shouldn’t be touched carelessly.
The peaks on both sides of his chest, with faint bluish veins visible underneath, were like clear pink ink dropped one by one. And in the center of those flower petal like areolas stood small, prim nipples.
“So beautiful.”
Chase murmured in a low voice with an enraptured expression.
It was a body he had seen but dared not touch all this time. The difficult moments of suppressing desire and maintaining boundaries flashed through his mind.
Indeed, all difficult efforts are rewarded, Chase thought, looking at Jeong-in’s body confined within his arms. Now Jeong-in was beneath him. No longer just in his imagination.
Rough breaths escaped through Chase’s parched lips. His heart beat rapidly, and all the blood vessels in his body pulsed hot. Tonight would surely be the best night of his life. That anticipation gradually rose from beneath his skin and enveloped his entire body.
“Truly beautiful.”
Jeong-in’s eyes trembled. His face immediately reddened, and he turned his head away sharply, avoiding Chase’s gaze.
“D-don’t lie! I know I’m skinny!”
Although Jeong-in’s thinking had become quite flexible during his time with Chase, he still found it difficult to naturally accept compliments about his appearance.
Chase slowly tilted his head and looked into Jeong-in’s eyes. There was not the slightest wavering in his gaze.
“Hah… when will you learn to accept your boyfriend’s compliments?”
Chase’s index fingers gently touched Jeong-in’s nipples. He stroked them downward as if scratching, and circled around the tips. The sensitive protrusions were bent and pressed in various ways.
“Ahh…”
A sensual sound escaped just from having his chest touched. Jeong-in was surprised at himself. He was beyond embarrassed, almost amazed. He was sure he had never felt anything special when he touched himself. Was this because of psychological arousal?
Chase wrapped both hands around Jeong-in’s ribcage as if measuring the size of his torso. His skeletal frame fit perfectly in his palms.
A body this thin might appear bony and unattractive, but Jeong-in’s wasn’t like that. His skeletal structure was slender but well-balanced, and the smooth lines without any protruding parts made his look svelte and delicate.
Chase’s hands slowly slid down, caressing Jeong-in’s sides. He traced the contours of his prominent hip bones with both thumbs.
“Your body, really beautiful.”
A subtle bewilderment crossed Chase’s expression. He looked down at his body, appearing more delicate than he had expected, as if perplexed. There was a sense of precariousness, as if Jeong-in might break if squeezed too hard. But that precarious uneasiness actually stimulated his desire even more.
“Hah… what should I do, I’m too excited.”
Calm down. Calm down. Chase repeated to himself over and over. But his body wouldn’t calm. His muscles swelled taut like a beast before its prey.
The heat boiling under his skin kept urging him on. But he desperately suppressed himself, calming the beast within. He couldn’t be ruled by desire.
Jeong-in had a sensitive, guarded personality. It was obvious that such personalities find it more difficult to break down walls and be honest with their instincts. If he approached him even slightly roughly, he would clearly withdraw and close his heart.
If he’s embarrassed, he should compliment him. He needed to help him feel as much as possible to relax his tension. He had to be gentle and affectionate so he wouldn’t be scared. He needed to be attentive so his body wouldn’t get hurt. He shouldn’t act selfishly, getting lost in only his own sensations. If he felt uncomfortable, he needed to slow down or stop at any time.
Chase kept mentally reviewing the “consideration for your partner” section he’d learned in sex education, as if he were a boy experiencing sex for the first time.
This night was their first time having sex. It was also Jeong-in’s first sexual experience in his life. It couldn’t be just ordinary sex.
In fact, it was a first for Chase too. Not the act of releasing sexual desire, but the act of sharing love.
“Hah… Jeong-in.”
Their lips met again. Chase’s lips, which had thoroughly explored Jeong-in’s mouth, moved downward along his smooth jawline. His firm, sharp nose tip traced down his delicate skin. Jeong-in’s pulse beat rapidly beneath Chase’s lips.
Chase buried his face in Jeong-in’s neck and took a deep breath. The subtle, sweet soap scent penetrated deep into his lungs. That fragrance, which could only be faintly detected by placing his nose very close, always made his mouth water.
“I’ve always wanted to eat you. Every time I smell you.”
Jeong-in gripped the bed sheet with one hand.
In French, Spanish, and even Japanese, why do so many languages compare sexual desire to appetite? Is it because sexual desire is such a primal instinct? Such thoughts briefly crossed Jeong-in’s mind, but he had no strength to pursue them further.
Did he have an erogenous zone on his neck? A much more intense sensation than he had expected surged up. It felt as if flames were running down the spot where Chase’s lips had touched.
The nape of the neck is the most delicate and vulnerable part of the human body. A thin passage where breath, food, and blood flow. The feeling of surrendering a part that should instinctively be protected was strange. It felt like permitting Chase access to his everything.
“Hah… may I leave marks?”
Chase’s blue eyes, beginning to be tinged with ecstasy, had dilated pupils that appeared almost black. Those eyes, usually clear and transparent, now looked as dark and deep as an abyss.
Unrefined gaze, low voice, rough breath. Feeling his scorching hands kneading her waist, Jeong-in realized it. He’s this excited because of me. With that awareness, he felt his own mind growing hazy.
Nodding as if entranced, Jeong-in belatedly regained a thread of reason.
“Hm, not where… it shows…”
“Whew… understood.”
Eyes dark as wells looked down at Jeong-in. Chase licked his lips as if savoring a taste. Then, his Adam’s apple visibly moved as he swallowed, and he lowered his head.
Hot breath and warmth poured onto his neck. Chase pressed his lips against Jeong-in’s long neck, toying with it before taking a large bite of the area connecting his neck to his shoulder.
His thin shoulder flinched and curled up.
“Ah…!”
Chase sucked, bit, and scratched with his teeth around Jeong-in’s shoulder and collarbone area. He seemed determined to mark every part that would be covered by a t-shirt with his lips.
A chill ran down Jeong-in’s spine at the eerie sensation of being devoured by a large beast. Chase, glancing up to check Jeong-in’s reaction, moved lower.
Soon one of his nipples, standing erect with tension, was drawn into his mouth.
“Hmph…”
Hot mucous membrane enveloped Jeong-in’s sensitive skin. The rough tip of his tongue tapped and circled his nipple. He even took the flesh around the areola into his mouth and gently nibbled with his teeth. Then he sucked like a nursing infant. The sound of his sucking was explicit.
“Hnn, mmm… ah…”
It felt as if every nerve in his body was concentrated on the nipple Chase was holding in his mouth.
Chase played with Jeong-in’s nipple mischievously. Having taken the areola fully into his mouth, he pulled back, causing the stretched skin to release with a pop.
“Ahh… don’t, hah, do that…”
Jeong-in had actually been anxious, would Chase find interest in him when he lacked voluminous nipples or the plump flesh surrounding them?
But now Chase was indulging in Jeong-in’s chest with what could only be described as obsession. Even while sucking one breast, he kept glancing at the other, and finding that inadequate, he placed the nipple between his fingers and gently rubbed it, the sight was nothing short of greedy.
“Ahh… Chase…!”
As he twisted his body forcefully to escape, Chase persistently followed and clung to him again. Eventually, he gripped Jeong-in’s torso with both hands to hold him in place while sucking frantically.
Jeong-in panted while pushing, hitting, and embracing his solid, broad shoulders. His abdomen tightened, and sobbing sounds escaped him.
“Ah… hng, th-this is weird…”
“Hah, let’s make it even weirder.”
Chase was sucking his chest, but he felt tingles from between his thighs to his lower abdomen. It felt like his insides were turning upside down, like looking down from a great height.
Jeong-in’s body, having no immunity to this kind of stimulation, was extremely sensitive. Soon, an electric sensation rushed to the tip of his penis. A sensation similar to an extreme urge to urinate. It felt like he would make a mistake if there was even a small friction in that area.
“Ngh, n-no! Chase, I’m about to… I-I’m about to cum! Stop…!”
Chase quickly removed his lips and looked down. Between Jeong-in’s slacks covered legs, there was a visible bulge.
“Ha…”
Normally, Jeong-in seemed completely uninterested in anything sexual beyond kissing. Chase had once asked how often he did it alone and whether he had thought of him while doing so, only to receive such a shocked look that he felt like an intolerable pervert.
Seeing such honest reactions from Jeong-in now, Chase felt a joy akin to elation. He began to undo the front of Jeong-in’s pants like a dog digging up hidden food. He even had a plausible excuse.
“Let me take these off. We don’t want your clothes getting dirty, right?”
Jeong-in nodded urgently. His eyes grew moist with the unavoidable pleasure. Yet strangely, a sense of relief spread deep in his heart. It was because he was confident that Chase would never force him in any situation.
“If I tell you to stop, will you stop…?”
“Of course. But…”
Chase answered in a low, deep voice. He continued speaking while kissing Jeong-in’s cheek and temple.
“I’ll try my best to make sure that doesn’t happen.”
Chase hooked his fingers on the waistband of Jeong-in’s pants and pulled them down. The rough fabric scratched the outside of his thighs as it moved downward.
The cool sensation suddenly brought a sense of reality. Fear took precedence when he thought that Chase would soon see his private parts, which he had never shown to anyone.
Jeong-in lowered his hands to cover himself over his briefs.
“Hmm, Chase, j-just a moment…”
“It’s okay.”
Chase carefully took hold of both Jeong-in’s wrists and slowly pulled them away. Jeong-in’s exposed briefs revealed the contours of his penis. A slightly darker, round stain was visible below the waistband. Jeong-in closed his eyes tightly with shame.
“You’re wet here.”
Chase gently stroked over that stain with his thumb. He softly caressed Jeong-in’s thighs as they tensed, trying to close together.
“I’m so happy.”
A faint smile spread across Chase’s face, and his blue eyes narrowed, as if he was genuinely happy.