UPLB Ch 26

Choi Sungbin muttered.

“Sleep.”

Yang Juwon placed his hand on Choi Sungbin’s chest. I hope you sleep well. Not tired or exhausted. He touched his cheek and gently patted him.

Had Choi Sungbin stayed awake by his side? Not long after, he began breathing evenly, slipping into sleep.

Yang Juwon watched him for a moment before checking the time on his phone. It was time for work. Skipping today was a good call. In this state, work would have been tough.

Yawning softly, he checked his messages. Another one had come in from an unsaved number.

Yang Juwon’s expression hardened as he read it. He couldn’t mistake the name.

Juwon-ah, how you doing? It’s Yeongnan. You in Seoul? I got a new place and moved in today.

Let’s grab food sometime. I don’t know anyone at school.ㅜㅜ

Wanna catch up and talk?

Yang Juwon read the message over and over. He had deleted only one number from his contacts.

He thought they’d never contact each other again, and he wouldn’t reach out either.

What could she want to talk about after all this time? Should he meet her and hear her out, or avoid her? Could Yeongnan know he was with Choi Sungbin?

A sudden wave of anxiety made his eyes dart. He looked at the man sleeping soundly, more peaceful than ever. There was so much tangled up, so much hidden.

“Sunbae…”

At the sleepy voice, Yang Juwon put his phone away. He didn’t answer, but Choi Sungbin, mumbling something between “yeah” and “mm,” rubbed his lips against Yang Juwon’s forehead.

📝

Juwon-ah, how you doing? It’s Yeongnan. You in Seoul? I got a new place and moved in today.

Let’s grab food sometime. I don’t know anyone at school.ㅜㅜ

Wanna catch up and talk?

Yang Juwon stared at Yeongnan’s message. Why contact him now? Things were finally good with Choi Sungbin, so why now…

Unfortunately, he hadn’t replied to her message from the previous morning. He’d been with Choi Sungbin all day, with no time to respond, and he didn’t know what to say.

He knew she must have thought hard before sending it. During school, Yang Juwon was her only real friend. She probably shared all sorts of stories about Choi Sungbin with him.

Even when her rationality hit rock bottom, Yang Juwon, her ex-boyfriend, was the only one she could rely on.

By the way, going back to school must mean she’s doing better. Otherwise, her parents wouldn’t have let her return to Seoul alone.

“…”

He twitched one corner of his mouth. He read the message again. His hesitant hand brushed the screen.

He’d probably have to meet her once. He needed to hear what she had to say. If she still couldn’t let go of Choi Sungbin and was tracking him, she might have noticed Yang Juwon’s presence.

Guilt washed over him. Honestly, his current life was what Yeongnan once wanted.

“…”

His fingers typed with resolve. The library was too quiet, and Hayoung, sitting nearby, was buried in her certification study guide.

Yeah, still at school. Sorry for replying late. Just saw your message.

It was better it wasn’t a messenger app. No “read” receipt would show. His hesitant fingers finally hit “send.”

The short message carried an odd tension. Think lightly, lightly. He exhaled long. Then he checked a message from Choi Sungbin.

I’m hungry.

Despite the trivial content, Yang Juwon carefully raised the corners of his mouth. Choi Sungbin usually sent short messages. I’m hungry, I’m sleepy, when’re you done, what time should I pick you up, I’m bored. When apart, even briefly, they exchanged messages like this.

Pausing to think, he replied.

Eat. There’s side dishes in the fridge.

Don’t wanna eat alone.

Not a kid. He frowned, but not out of annoyance. Should they eat breakfast together? Eating meals together would mean waking up earlier.

Maybe make rice balls for him. Not wanting to eat alone isn’t about cooking.

Being with Choi Sungbin made Yang Juwon overthink too. His unexpected reactions required extra thought. Yet, the answers were often wrong.

But lately, he felt he was getting it.

Don’t make him feel hurt or neglected. It wasn’t easy, but at least he knew the approach.

A reply from Yeongnan popped up at the top of the screen.

You’re at school.ㅎㅎ Let’s grab food.

Another message followed.

Living near school?

You used to say near school was fine even if it’s small.

Despite two years of no contact, Yeongnan seemed at ease. The phone vibrated in his hand. Yang Juwon stared at the text.

Is she probing? Or am I just paranoid?

He lived near school, but… His typing fingers hesitated. What should he say? Lately, he was mostly at Choi Sungbin’s place.

Yang Juwon lied in the end.

Moved somewhere else. Not near school.

I work weekdays and do part-time on weekends.

Whoa. Sounds busy. Last semester?

No. I’m on leave too.

Ohㅎ Good. Where do you work?

Wanna grab dinner after work today? I’m bored.ㅠㅠ

It was sudden. He used to make same-day plans when living near school, but seeing her after so long felt cautious. The old Yang Juwon might have agreed casually, but not now. Choi Sungbin could show up at the library anytime.

They couldn’t meet. Yang Juwon didn’t want Choi Sungbin to know he knew Yeongnan, let alone dated her. Nor did he want Yeongnan to see he was doing well with Choi Sungbin. Just… he didn’t want it.

Not today, maybe next week.

I’m working now, so I’ll text later.

Yang Juwon smoothly ended the conversation. After her reply agreeing to next week, he lowered his head. Just a message, yet so draining. Propping his chin, he stared at the study guide.

During the break, the library was quiet unless there was an event. Besides simple book organizing, there wasn’t much to do. People studied, read, or sat with their phones.

Yang Juwon flipped through his study guide. Gotta study. Not his last semester, but he couldn’t slack like a freshman.

Sunbae.

His eyes, scanning the guide, shifted to his phone. Can’t focus? Well, makes sense.

I’m coming to the library today.

Gonna read a book.

See, good thing he didn’t tell Yeongnan he worked at the library.

“I’ll go organize books.”

Hayoung’s words made him react first.

“I’ll do it.”

“No, I should too. Sitting all day makes me stiff.”

Stretching like flapping wings, Hayoung stood.

“I can do it.”

He offered again, but Hayoung shook her head.

“If oppa does it all, what am I?”

It wasn’t a hassle. He wasn’t trying to take on all the work. He wanted to check on Choi Sungbin in the library’s corner.

Around the end of lunch, Choi Sungbin had barged into the library, gave a slight wave, and settled in a corner. Yang Juwon had visited him a few times under the pretense of organizing, but he was still on his mind. He probably came because Yang Juwon was there.

Choi Sungbin fit a trendy brunch café downtown more than the school library. Sipping coffee, subtly enjoying passersby’s glances while reading—that was his style. He liked that more.

Yang Juwon watched Hayoung’s back. She pulled the book cart toward Choi Sungbin’s spot. Blocked by packed shelves, she disappeared.

He knew Hayoung was just organizing books, but… Biting his lower lip, he stood, grabbing a random paper to follow her.

“…”

It didn’t take long. He followed almost immediately after Hayoung stood. Choi Sungbin and she had never spoken. They seemed to exchange glances when he came to Yang Juwon’s side, but that was it. They never mentioned each other.

Choi Sungbin and Hayoung were talking. Hayoung was too visible compared to Choi Sungbin, who sat with his back turned. Smiling with books in her arms, she looked bright and clear, unlike Yang Juwon. He watched from a distance.

A familiar scene. Choi Sungbin with a woman was a sight Yang Juwon knew well. Throughout their time together, he was always with women. Only the faces changed.

He’d be demanding or short-tempered with Yang Juwon, but with women, he wore a mask. The classic fox-like guy hated by other men.

He knew how to charm rationally, hiding his dirty intentions while acting sweet.

Choi Sungbin handed Hayoung his phone. She took it, typed something, and returned it. Yang Juwon watched, then turned away.

‘Is he interested in Hayoung?’

Was the relationship Yang Juwon felt just a game to Choi Sungbin? Maybe. Perhaps Yang Juwon was the naive one.

Choi Sungbin was that kind of guy. He’d say anything to get what he wanted. I’m jealous, hold me even if I say break up—his countless words might just be candy to him. Sweet treats, given and done.

It was routine for Choi Sungbin. Yang Juwon had seen it plenty. Playing the dating game, getting bored, moving on, forgetting the last one.

But Hayoung… she has a boyfriend.

Staring blankly at the packed bookshelf, he thought. Would Choi Sungbin care? He’d seen it with Yeongnan up close.

“Ha.”

A hollow laugh slipped out. Ugh, this is the worst.

📝

Choi Sungbin obsessively scrolled through Hayoung’s SNS. Even if she weren’t a woman, he’d have checked anyone close to Yang Juwon.

SNS revealed everything. Name, age, daily life… After reading it all, Choi Sungbin relaxed.

She had a boyfriend of three months, a senior in her department, and they were super close. Overflowing with affection, like wringing out oil.

Now familiar with Hayoung, he could linger longer without issue. He often hesitated to chat with Yang Juwon at the desk, wary of attention.

Satisfied, Choi Sungbin put down his phone. This alone justified his library visit. Slumped over the desk, he looked outside. The air-conditioned room was cool enough, and the hot sunlight outside glinted off teal leaves.

The heat annoyed him on the way, but this was worth it. Very satisfying.

He wasn’t driven by ambition like others. Good job, good career, contributing to society—none of that mattered. While others studied for certifications or attended academies, he’d rather take another trip.

By the way, when’s Yang Juwon getting a passport? Gotta make one soon to travel somewhere close before the break ends.

Might as well make him take passport photos today. Pick him up at lunch tomorrow and hit the government office—faster than nagging.

With time after work, maybe a long resort trip. Before booking a studio, he’d warn Yang Juwon. Just get the passport first. Tickets or lodging could be sorted last minute.

Grabbing his phone to message Yang Juwon, a random text greeted him.

Going home alone today?

I need to sleep at my place.

“…What?”

He muttered softly. What’s this nonsense?

Come here.

He sent a reply instantly, but no response came. Frowning, Choi Sungbin stared at his phone, then stood.

No clue what was up, just annoyed. Barely thirty minutes ago, Yang Juwon came to him, chatted, and even shared snacks from the desk.

‘Something up?’

At the search terminal, he typed a random book and printed its location label. Approaching the desk, he saw Yang Juwon reading. His phone was right there—he couldn’t have missed the message.

He looked free. A quick “okay” or “no” was doable.

So, he’s ignoring me?

Choi Sungbin placed the small label on the desk.

“Help me find a book.”

Yang Juwon’s glance lingered briefly before returning to his book. Why’s he acting like this? It was frustrating, incomprehensible.

Without looking, he said.

“Just follow the location.”

“It’s not there, so I’m asking. Should I file a complaint?”

Acting childish, Yang Juwon finally stood. His movements were slow, almost sluggish. Waiting, Choi Sungbin leaned on the desk and caught Hayoung’s eye.

A friendly glance greeted him. He read the vibe. Not bad.

Guess it’s fine to chat here now. Good call talking to her.

Smiling briefly, he turned to Yang Juwon with displeasure. Couldn’t he just get up the first time? Why make him ask twice?

Hiding his irritation, he walked ahead, crumpling the paper. Let’s see about this.

“Give me the paper. I’ll find it.”

As they reached the corner, Yang Juwon held out his hand. Choi Sungbin stuffed the crumpled paper in his pocket, leaned against the wall, arms crossed, and scanned him up and down.

“What’s wrong?”

“What?”

“The text. You said go home alone.”

“Oh.”

Oh, what. It’s been less than five minutes, and he’s pretending to forget? Or is he feeling bad about making me sleep at his place?

“Got stuff to do at home? I’m fine with your place. It’s not like I sleep there every day.”

“No, just.”

“Just what?”

“Sometimes I wanna be alone.”

Choi Sungbin pushed his tongue against his cheek. He looked out the window. Not the answer he wanted.

Wanting to be alone—what did that mean? Yang Juwon wanted to be alone without him? Why?

“Why do you wanna be alone?”

“Don’t you need the book?”

“You know I’m not here for a book. Why do you wanna be alone?”

Yang Juwon lowered his head. Choi Sungbin glared hard. If he knew the reason, it’d be less frustrating, but his silence was beyond annoying—it was infuriating.

Sure, Choi Sungbin acted like this sometimes, but he was him, and Yang Juwon was Yang Juwon.

Watching him with displeasure, Yang Juwon let out a deep sigh.

“Anyway, let’s do that today.”

Trying to brush past, Choi Sungbin grabbed his wrist. Startled, Yang Juwon’s eyes widened.

“Is it because of me?”

What’s he upset about?

“Are you mad at me? Say it. Don’t piss me off.”

Things were good, so why?

This wasn’t a misunderstanding. Things were really good. They talked, laughed, read each other’s moods. They were always touching—fingertips, lips, anything.

Even driving Yang Juwon to work, he’d say he didn’t want to go, wanted to keep driving somewhere. Almost hit the highway, but dropped him off. So why now?

Yang Juwon, exhaling a sigh-like breath, spoke.

“You.”

“Yeah.”

“You exchanged numbers with Hayoung.”

“No?”

“…”

“We followed each other on Insta. Why?”

Oh. Choi Sungbin finally understood the question. He didn’t know when, but Yang Juwon must have seen him talking to Hayoung and misunderstood.

What kind of nonsense was he imagining? It wasn’t what he thought. Yang Juwon was close to her, so Choi Sungbin needed to know who she was (specifically, if she had a boyfriend). Since he’d be at the library often, being friendly with his coworker meant he could linger near the desk longer.

There was a reason for the exchange, yet Yang Juwon misunderstood and acted like this…

“…”

Is he jealous? Over a contact exchange?

Probably. It’s jealousy. He didn’t like that I swapped contacts, whatever the reason.

“Ha…”

Choi Sungbin pretended to sigh. A laugh threatened to escape, so he puffed his cheeks. Yang Juwon was the one acting mad, yet he was the one fidgeting.

Yang Juwon, jealous. He couldn’t say he never was, but that was before he realized his feelings, a distant past now.

He kept wanting to laugh. He knew how pathetic jealousy looked, but being its target felt good. He wanted to go wild with excitement.

Choi Sungbin let out a short, ahem, clearing his throat. He bit his lip to suppress the laughter that kept slipping out.

Sunbae, are you jealous? Why? Because you like me? Am I that great?

Always acting so calm, but you’re secretly crazy about me, right? Then why hide it? Grab my pant leg and beg or something. You used to do that. Plead like you’d die without me.

He had a mountain of things he wanted to say but calmed himself. Choi Sungbin fiddled with his phone, feigning indifference.

“Well. She didn’t seem bad. Saw her a few times, and she’s got a nice personality. Pretty cool.”

“…”

Yang Juwon openly frowned. A big balloon in Choi Sungbin’s chest swelled larger. He bit his lip hard again to keep from bursting into laughter.

This is too good.

Why Yang Juwon expressing his emotions made Choi Sungbin’s heart race, he didn’t know, but it felt great.

Do it more, more.

He obsessively studied the man’s expression. Wrinkles slowly formed between Yang Juwon’s brows.

“So…”

“Yeah.”

“…What do you want to do about it.”

“…”

“Hayoung has a boyfriend, and you…”

“Hm?”

“You have someone too.”

“Pfft.”

Choi Sungbin couldn’t hold back his laughter and covered his mouth. Giggling, he saw Yang Juwon openly scowl. No time to mind his reaction now.

God, he’s cute. This guy really likes me.

He hadn’t felt it before, so he was desperate, but now it hit him. A jealous guy is pathetic, but a lover’s jealousy was adorable.

Especially for someone like Yang Juwon, who’s bad at expressing himself—this was a rare sight.

Hoo… Taking a deep breath, he barely composed himself. Seeing Yang Juwon’s shame-flushed face, he let out another laugh. Pfft, hahaha. The sound of his stifled laughter was odd. He knew he shouldn’t do this in a library, but what could he do?

“I’m leaving. You, go home alone today.”

Finally pissed off, Yang Juwon stormed past. Choi Sungbin barely held onto the bookshelf to stand. He wanted to grab the fuming Yang Juwon, but facing him would surely make him laugh again.

“Sunbae, let’s go together. It’s hot.”

Going home alone was Yang Juwon’s idea, but Choi Sungbin casually stood by his side. Yang Juwon couldn’t protest, his brows furrowing then relaxing. He scowled as hard as he could before returning to his usual blank face.

Choi Sungbin watched his back. Slightly slouched posture, wide but slow strides.

Oh, his hair’s sticking up. Without hesitation, he reached out. As he fixed the stray hair, Yang Juwon turned faster than ever. Why so startled? His reaction startled Choi Sungbin too.

“…Your hair’s sticking up.”

“Oh, right.”

Choi Sungbin stood beside the embarrassed Yang Juwon as he fixed his hair, hands behind his back, leaning into him.

“I’m hungry. Let’s get something tasty.”

“…”

“You’re sleeping at your place tonight, so how about kimchi jjigae? It’s noisy there, but I sometimes crave it too.”

Yang Juwon stayed silent. Normally, Choi Sungbin would’ve stopped in the street to pester him for not answering, but today was different. He was enjoying the reaction.

“I haven’t eaten a single meal today.”

“…”

“You know I hate eating alone.”

No answer, as expected. Wow, he’s really pissed. Choi Sungbin finally stopped walking.

“You really going home alone, sunbae?”

“…”

“Then I’ll eat with someone else? You know I don’t eat with guys.”

Shouting loudly, Yang Juwon, walking ahead, stopped. He turned with a sullen look. The afternoon heat had eased, but it was still unpleasantly humid.

Amid the cicadas’ loud cries, Choi Sungbin asked again.

“You really not taking me? Then I’m going too. Who should I eat with? Hayoung lives nearby, right?”

Yang Juwon, lips pursed, strode over. He seemed a bit angry. Choi Sungbin bit his lip to control his expression.

Yang Juwon showing such vivid reactions was rare, and Choi Sungbin was thrilled.

“Hayoung’s eating with her boyfriend tonight. They eat together every night.”

“Of course. They’re dating. So why’s my boyfriend trying to leave me alone?”

“…”

“Going to eat?”

Yang Juwon was the loser. With a short sigh of surrender, he turned and said.

“Let’s go. To eat. It’s the break, so they might close early.”

Choi Sungbin finally softened his eyes and stuck close to him. So hot. Annoying.

“Can’t we hold hands?”

“People will stare.”

“What if you lose me? Someone else might snatch me up.”

His voice was more playful than usual. Chattering, he watched Yang Juwon’s face. Worth seeing. Satisfied with the reaction, he shrugged and chuckled.

“Kidding.”

Then he linked arms with Yang Juwon. Seeing him stiffen made it even better. Such a small reaction, yet so fun.

“I like that type.”

Waiting for the kimchi jjigae to simmer, Choi Sungbin pointed at an actor on the TV. A melodramatic drama was on. The protagonist was tearfully reuniting with their birth parents.

So cheesy. Choi Sungbin trashed the drama while prodding the unresponsive Yang Juwon.

“Cute, right? You think so too, sunbae.”

Yang Juwon turned to the screen. Choi Sungbin anticipated his reaction. Would he frown? Say it’s lame?

Oh, Yang Juwon’s lips moved.

“Yeah, cute. Puppy-like? That vibe.”

What?

“The short hair suits them. Big eyes too.”

A bitter taste filled Choi Sungbin’s mouth.

Even if he asked for agreement, Yang Juwon didn’t have to comply. Choi Sungbin glared at him, displeased. His ex-girlfriend wasn’t that type, was she?

Not cool. Choi Sungbin was the one chasing the ghost of an ex-girlfriend he’d never seen. He pressed his lips together. Since he brought it up, he couldn’t push further.

Ugh… He drowned his frustration with cold water.

Meanwhile, the server stirred the pot. When told it was ready, Yang Juwon reached for a bowl. Choi Sungbin, still with arms crossed, tilted his head slightly.

He was starting to get annoyed. He picked a fight.

“I wish you were a bit more playful, sunbae.”

“Why?”

“It’s just my type. I like short, petite, super playful types.”

He never really had a type, but in front of Yang Juwon, he painted the opposite. Yang Juwon was tall, well-built, far from playful, someone Choi Sungbin never got close to.

“…”

Yang Juwon, stirring the jjigae, glanced at the drama. Choi Sungbin did too. The crying protagonist was now hugging their parents, smiling.

No interest. No care. Choi Sungbin only watched Yang Juwon’s reaction.

He wanted Yang Juwon to be more, more, more jealous. Curse, get mad, anything to make him feel it.

He didn’t look away, studying every feature of Yang Juwon’s face. His eyes twitched, and he unconsciously pursed his lips.

Yang Juwon, staring at the TV, spoke cautiously.

“Don’t you usually avoid these talks?”

“Yeah. But we’re close now, right? Can’t I share my type?”

Choi Sungbin hid his leaking smile and said.

“Then can I share too?”

“No. Don’t, sunbae.”

Yang Juwon sighed softly and said, then don’t you either. Don’t do it. Choi Sungbin covered his mouth. Yang Juwon’s grip on the ladle tightened, frowning. He’s mad.

The summer jjigae place was packed and hot despite the blasting AC, usually enough to make Choi Sungbin complain, but he didn’t care. He was too busy watching Yang Juwon.

How did I not see it? This guy’s full of raw jealousy.

Choi Sungbin cleared his throat and held out his plate.

“Scoop some jjigae.”

“You scoop it.”

“Hahaha, what’s that?”

Laughing out loud, Yang Juwon snatched the bowl from him. The pot was full of meat, but he piled on mostly kimchi. When Choi Sungbin mentioned wanting meat, he added one piece.

Jealousy freak. Choi Sungbin took the bowl, letting out a satisfied laugh.

📝

“Choi Sungbin.”

“Yeah.”

“Can I ask something?”

“Yeah, ask.”

Lying in Yang Juwon’s studio made one lazy and listless. With nothing to do, he could only kill time in the corner. His eyes, tracing odd ceiling marks, turned to the man.

Yang Juwon, approaching hesitantly, had a subtly provocative vibe. Choi Sungbin, watching him, shut his eyes tight. I must be crazy.

“Wanted to ask earlier.”

“Yeah.”

“Why’d you follow Hayoung on Insta?”

“Does it bother you?”

“Yeah.”

At the candid reply, Choi Sungbin opened his eyes a beat late. What’s with this guy? The honesty was so likable he wanted to pull him in and kiss him, but he barely held back.

God, Yang Juwon’s so good when he’s honest. Why’s he only like this when pushed? I don’t want to be the bad guy, but he’s making me.

“Well. Just, you know.”

“What’s that?”

“Sunbae, you think I’d try something with a girl who has a boyfriend? Just…”

“You’ve done that before, haven’t you?”

“…”

I just wanted to get familiar so it’s less awkward at the library, he meant to say, but Yang Juwon’s jab silenced him.

Choi Sungbin stared at him. Had he ever told Yang Juwon? No way. He wouldn’t brag about dating girls with boyfriends.

Blinking slowly twice, he asked.

“How do you know that, sunbae?”

“Just.”

Just?

“Heard people talking.”

“Oh. You told me to cut it out when rumors spread.”

He was sarcastic, but it wasn’t wrong. How did Yang Juwon chase him despite those rumors? Choi Sungbin would’ve ditched a guy like that.

Nothing to say. Denying it was a lie, and saying he used to but won’t anymore felt lame. He shut his mouth and looked away.

Yang Juwon spoke first.

“What if.”

“Don’t drag it out, just say it…”

A timid voice slipped out.

“You want to see someone else?”

“…”

“Am I being clueless?”

Choi Sungbin slowly sat up. He read the room. The clueless one here wasn’t Yang Juwon, but him.

Yang Juwon was that kind of guy. Straightforward, no overthinking. Choi Sungbin always found dating such a guy frustrating, yet he was doing all sorts of ugly things to spark jealousy. Not knowing how embarrassing that was.

His face burned. Yang Juwon waited calmly for an answer. Choi Sungbin shook his head. No choice but to be honest.

“No. That’s not it.”

“Then why keep talking about others today? Why get Hayoung’s contact?”

Choi Sungbin clamped his mouth shut. Exchanging SNS with Hayoung was a petty, jealous move, but would Yang Juwon get that? He’d never tried to provoke jealousy. Choi Sungbin was the one making a fuss.

God, embarrassing.

His face heated up. He realized how immature he was. Yang Juwon’s calmness annoyed him. What makes you so great, exposing my raw self?

“Just. It’d be easier to hang at the library if we’re familiar. Less awkward. So I made nice.”

“Oh.”

“And I wanted to know what she’s like. If she’s seeing someone. …You two seemed close.”

The one twisted by jealousy was him. Smirking one minute, flipped the next.

With Yang Juwon, even when Choi Sungbin thought he had the upper hand, he felt like the loser. Not that Yang Juwon lost, but like he let him win.

Feeling that unconsciously, he got stubborn, acted out. How far would he yield? How much could he give? How long could he endure? It was a petty pride battle.

“Just tell me from the start. Why do it behind my back?”

“What do I say? Sunbae, I wanna get friendly with your coworker, is that okay? That’s fine, right?”

Watching the hesitating Yang Juwon, Choi Sungbin flopped back down. Didn’t even break even. Lost more than he gained. He rolled onto his side. Yang Juwon sat crumpled on the floor.

“If I said I wanted to see someone else, what would you say?”

“Dunno.”

“Not mad?”

Yang Juwon laughed. Knowing what that laugh meant, Choi Sungbin frowned. The guy who couldn’t control his face over someone being “fine” was now acting saintly.

He reached out, yanked Yang Juwon down beside him. Caught off guard, the man fell into his arms. Choi Sungbin wrapped his arms and legs around him, holding tight.

He issued a warning.

“Get mad.”

“Got it.”

“Get annoyed too.”

“Got it, really.”

“If you say stuff like that, I’ll lock you up. We’ll both quit school that day.”

Yang Juwon laughed, shrugging. In his arms, he rustled, turning to his side. Too close. He raised a finger, poked Choi Sungbin’s nose, and chuckled alone.

“Your nose is so soft.”

“What nonsense. Just answer.”

“I’m not seeing anyone else. Don’t plan to.”

He closed his eyes as he answered.

Alright, Choi Sungbin silently pressed his lips to Yang Juwon’s and pulled back. Taking a breath, he spoke seriously. Yang Juwon wasn’t the only thing he was curious about.

“But sunbae.”

“Yeah.”

“That actor on the restaurant TV, is that your type? You said they were cute.”

Honestly, he was dying to know.

“No, you asked if they were cute, so I said yeah.”

“So not your type? You just said it to agree?”

“They’re cute. Big eyes…”

“If you want someone with big eyes, go date them. If I point at an apple and call it a banana, you’d say banana? You barely answer my questions, so why answer then?”

Yang Juwon looked at him, shocked.

Not answering? Why not? You’re quiet now, but why then? Puppy-like, was it? That’s your type? You a pervert, sunbae? Into cute people? Was your ex like that?

As he rambled, Yang Juwon rustled in his arms, trying to sit up. Choi Sungbin held him tighter.

“Answer. Huh?”

Provoking jealousy? Hell, that was his specialty.

📝

Yang Juwon anxiously scanned the restaurant. Every table was filled with people laughing and eating, but his was empty.

It’s about time. What does she want to talk about? He pulled out his phone to check the time.