UPLB Ch 28
by soapa“Wait, just a sec.”
Yang Juwon gripped the table’s edge tightly to steady himself. The man sitting between his parted legs leaned in closer. Yang Juwon instinctively jerked his chin back, but of course, Choi Sungbin followed.
For a kiss in the morning, it was pretty intense. It felt like a glass full of water might spill over with the slightest tilt. Even now, it was precarious.
Yang Juwon leaned back so far he ended up sitting on the table. He turned his head. Choi Sungbin, who had been nibbling on his lower lip, tilted his head and said, “Hm?” His lips were wet.
“You’re wet.”
Yang Juwon wiped Choi Sungbin’s moist lips with his thumb. He pressed lightly on the soft, plump center, as if stamping it. The man with curved eyes slowly parted his lips and took the first word in his mouth.
He swirled his tongue, grazing the finger, and tightened his hot mouth around it. Yang Juwon, startled, pulled his hand away.
“…I have to go to work. If we keep this up in the morning…”
“There’s still time.”
“If I get delayed any more, you’ll complain about traffic on the way to work.”
“Is there anywhere without traffic at this hour?”
Ugh… Yang Juwon swallowed a bitter breath. Reading his expression, the man let out a soft chuckle.
“…”
Yang Juwon pursed his lips and looked up at him. Choi Sungbin leaned in closer. For some reason, he kept grinning.
“Wow, when you look at me like that… It doesn’t work because you’re too ugly, sunbae.”
He placed his hand over Yang Juwon’s, which was gripping the table’s edge. Yang Juwon looked down at their intertwined hands. As his gaze shifted, the man tilted his head and came closer.
He pressed his chin against Yang Juwon’s nose bridge. Their faces were too close. He tapped Yang Juwon’s nose with his own. Yang Juwon raised his eyebrows.
Choi Sungbin seemed to be in a great mood. Was that a good thing, or should Yang Juwon be cautious in case it flipped again?
“Sunbae.”
“Yeah?”
“Do you like me?”
Yang Juwon nodded instead of answering. Choi Sungbin smiled, his eyes curving.
“Say it out loud.”
Yang Juwon moved his lips.
“I like you.”
“Then kiss me. You know, the way you usually do. That intense tongue-sucking thing.”
Weren’t they already kissing until now…? The thought crossed his mind, but he quickly pushed it away. How could he dwell on distractions with a man right in front of him, flashing those teasing eye smiles?
Choi Sungbin was still seducing him with that eye smile. Yang Juwon steadied his breath and raised his arms. Wrapping them around the man’s neck, he pulled him closer. Naturally, he leaned back onto the table.
He wouldn’t be late for work, right?
📝
“Hello?”
—Oppa, what are you doing?
“I’m at work right now. What’s up?”
During a break after lunch, Yang Juwon got a rare call from his younger sister. Sowon, his sister, was seven years younger and still in high school.
When he asked if she’d eaten, she said she ate at school. It was summer break, so he wondered why she was at school, but Sowon was a diligent student who never missed supplementary classes or self-study sessions, even during breaks.
—Did you take time off from your part-time job this weekend? It’s Dad’s birthday.
“Oh, right.”
—You forgot?
“Yeah, I did. I need to call and take it off.”
Every summer, he knew his father’s birthday was coming, but he kept forgetting. Between his part-time job, work, and a relationship that was starting to stabilize, he was busy with all sorts of things, but it was just an excuse. Living apart naturally created distance.
Even with a busy life, they always gathered for birthdays to spend time as a family. They went out to eat or traveled together. They nagged each other affectionately, sometimes expressed hurt feelings, but in the end, they were an ordinary family. Not leaning too far in any direction, just an average household.
Oh, right, right. Sowon spoke up.
—Relatives are coming too. Oppa, it’s Dad’s sixtieth this time. It’s not a big deal, but we’re just having a meal with relatives. I think Dad’s birthday is an excuse to see you. Everyone misses you.
“Oh, I’ll need to bring some pocket money.”
—Yeah. How much do you have? You’ll be around all weekend, right?
Yang Juwon couldn’t answer easily. He had naturally adjusted to Choi Sungbin over the past few months. The thought of needing to get his permission came automatically.
Sowon spoke up in place of his silence.
—Oppa?
“Oh, I’ll see if I can stay overnight if I have time.”
—Just take a break from your part-time job this time. It’s the weekend. You hardly come home. You haven’t been back once this semester. Mom and Dad are kind of hurt, you know.
“Yeah, it just happened. I’ve been busy.”
It wasn’t meant as a scolding, but his heart felt heavy. While caught up in his relationship, he hadn’t visited his parents, who regularly sent him side dishes, and he brushed off their calls with excuses.
He could make time if he tried, but somehow the summer break felt busier than the semester. He went to work early in the morning and didn’t get off until six.
“I’ll sort out my part-time schedule and call you back. I’ll definitely come home.”
—Alright. Let me know.
“Okay. Sowon-ah, it’s summer, so don’t skip meals. Eat well.”
—What am I, a kid? I’m fine. I eat well, so don’t worry. I’m heading to class now. The bell’s about to ring.
After the call, Yang Juwon stared at his phone for a moment. He should probably take the time off from his part-time job. A one-night trip should be fine. Surely Choi Sungbin wouldn’t make a fuss about not going to a family event, especially for his father’s sixtieth birthday.
He had already arranged to take time off from his part-time job. Not knowing how things would go, he decided to take the whole week off. The manager, who he thought would be annoyed since finding a replacement for a weekend night shift was tough, agreed readily.
Exhausted by the relentless behavior of other night shift workers, the manager thanked Yang Juwon for never missing a shift.
The message ended with gratitude. Yang Juwon rubbed the back of his neck.
Even as summer was nearing its end, the weather was still hot. Spring and summer had passed, marking his second season with Choi Sungbin.
He let out a small laugh. He felt like he’d become an overly sentimental person, which didn’t suit him. Just then, a familiar car pulled up to the curb.
He walked over, opened the door, and got in. The car was comfortably cool. As he fastened his seatbelt, Choi Sungbin glanced at him and asked,
“Hot?”
“Yeah.”
“You look it.”
Despite the curt reply, he turned up the air conditioning a notch.
Choi Sungbin was wearing a sweatshirt in this heat. Thinking of him lounging under the air conditioning, waiting, then coming to pick Yang Juwon up didn’t feel great.
Choi Sungbin didn’t have hobbies. He enjoyed driving a bit and went to the gym sometimes, but honestly, not every day. He worked out just enough to keep his body looking good.
He didn’t have hobbies like golf, which rich kids did, and when he was home, he either lay in bed on his phone or sat in a corner reading a book.
Yang Juwon could see why Choi Sungbin spent so much time on dates. Without that, his days would have been incredibly monotonous and boring.
Yang Juwon suddenly got curious.
“Don’t you get bored waiting for me at home?”
“I do.”
“Then what do you do?”
“I text you, sunbae.”
“Oh.”
“Why?”
“Just… I thought you’d be bored.”
“So be a little nicer to me.”
He said it calmly, without a change in expression. Was Yang Juwon the only thing in his day?
What did he even do with his days before meeting Yang Juwon? He couldn’t have always been out dating someone.
Yang Juwon was curious but didn’t ask. He didn’t want to stir things up unnecessarily.
📝
When Yang Juwon tried to pull his leg, it was caught and pulled back. Lying awkwardly on the sofa, he looked at Choi Sungbin with an embarrassed expression. Choi Sungbin placed Yang Juwon’s ankle on his thigh, using it as a prop while reading a book.
He pinned Yang Juwon’s calf with the book and his arm, keeping it still. Choi Sungbin quietly read on. The sound of pages turning occasionally broke the silence.
When Yang Juwon tried to subtly pull his leg, Choi Sungbin grabbed it as if nothing happened and put it back in place.
Did he find stability in the weight? Yang Juwon quietly watched the profile of the man enjoying his book.
His features were sharp and delicate. If he were a season, he’d be winter—a blizzard in the dead of winter.
By the way, he needed to mention going to his parents’ house… As Yang Juwon stared, Choi Sungbin, sensing his gaze, finally shifted his eyes.
“Why are you staring like that?”
Yang Juwon pursed his lips and spoke honestly. It was a family event, so there was no need to hide it.
“I’m taking time off from my part-time job this weekend.”
Choi Sungbin put down the book he was reading.
“Why?”
As Yang Juwon opened his mouth to say he needed to visit his parents for his dad’s birthday, the man’s expression seemed off.
Strangely… it was bright and clear.
“Are we going somewhere fun?”
“Huh?”
“Your passport hasn’t come through yet, right?”
“No… just listen for a sec.”
“Are we going to Jeju? Or Busan?”
“Hey, hold on.”
Yang Juwon waved his hand to calm Choi Sungbin down. He hadn’t even said anything, but Choi Sungbin was already excited, making assumptions. He was practically wagging a tail he didn’t have.
Big expectations lead to big disappointments. When Choi Sungbin got upset, he chilled the air around him. Yang Juwon took all the nagging and complaints, which naturally made him uncomfortable too.
He didn’t want Choi Sungbin to get upset. But this time, he couldn’t skip it. How could he miss his father’s birthday?
“Listen carefully, okay?”
Choi Sungbin made a sound between “yeah” and “mm.” Yang Juwon decided not to overthink it. Don’t get scared. Surely he wouldn’t object to a family matter.
“It’s my dad’s birthday, so I need to visit home. I’d like to stay longer, but if you don’t like it, I’ll do a one-night trip. A day trip feels too tough. I can go after work on Friday and come back on Saturday…”
Yang Juwon trailed off. The man, who had been massaging his ankle, stopped.
He belatedly shifted his gaze. Choi Sungbin wasn’t managing his expression. He seemed unaware of what face he was making.
Yang Juwon looked at him silently. At that moment, he couldn’t read Choi Sungbin’s emotions either.
Choi Sungbin dropped his head, then lifted it. His expression was composed, his eyes crescent-shaped. Yang Juwon had seen him smile plenty, but this was new.
“Can’t you not go?”
Choi Sungbin was forcing a smile. He forced a bright tone. He forced himself to hide his trembling voice, suppressing his emotions.
“Just call them. I’ll cover the pocket money, so transfer it to your parents. I’ll make sure it’s generous. Wouldn’t they prefer money over a visit? It’s a hassle. They’d have to cook. A grown son sleeping over might be inconvenient.”
Choi Sungbin was coaxing him. Flashing soft eye smiles, he was hoping Yang Juwon would say he wouldn’t go. Yang Juwon knew he was forcing the smile, but unfortunately, this time he had to go.
He hadn’t visited during the semester, so he couldn’t skip the birthday too. He didn’t think his parents would prefer money either.
Yang Juwon stood up. He touched Choi Sungbin’s shoulder. He knew how to soothe him. He’d done it countless times.
“I think I have to go this time. We’re gathering in the morning, so I’ll eat and come back quickly. It’s a birthday, so I should at least have a meal.”
“You don’t have to go on the exact day. You said you’re taking a week off after work. I’ll drive you then. Let’s go then, not the weekend, okay?”
Yang Juwon slightly furrowed his brow. This was different from usual. Normally, a little soothing softened his expression, but today felt significant. He didn’t seem likely to let it go easily.
Choi Sungbin grabbed Yang Juwon’s hand and intertwined their fingers. Yang Juwon looked down at their clasped hands, then back up.
“Go after the birthday. I’ll drive you there and back, everything. Just go later.”
“It’s pointless if it’s not the birthday.”
“Just stay with me on the weekend. You always sleep right after work on weekends. It’s a rare break, so let’s go somewhere or hang out at home, okay?”
“I took the time off for my dad’s birthday, not just to rest.”
“I’m saying I’ll drive you later. Just stay home this time. Work’s almost over, right?”
“Or I’ll do a day trip on Saturday. I should eat breakfast with the family.”
“Ugh, sunbae— Just don’t go. Stay with me.”
Choi Sungbin grabbed his wrist and shook it. He acted pitiful, like a kid in front of a toy display. He tilted his head deliberately, gauging Yang Juwon’s reaction.
Yang Juwon pursed his lips and shook his head. No matter what, this time he couldn’t give in.
The grip on his wrist finally loosened.
“Don’t go. I’m not kidding. Go after work ends, I said I’ll drive you. So don’t go.”
“What’s the difference between the weekend and after work?”
“I just don’t like it. You know how I spend my weekends while you’re at your part-time job.”
“…Why are you being so stubborn?”
Yang Juwon said with a stiff face. Unable to control his expression, he rubbed his cheek several times.
“What about you, sunbae? Have you ever taken a day off from your part-time job when I asked to hang out on the weekend? When I ask you to skip it, you say you can’t because of work, but for your dad’s birthday, you take a whole week off? You’re coming back Saturday morning, so what? You think spending a little time with me will make me happy? Is that charity? Should I be grateful? Why? I’m just an afterthought right now. I know I get pissy when I’m upset. But you’re making me like this, sunbae. Did you expect me to just say, ‘Oh, have a good trip’?”
“Normal people would.”
“Then I guess I’m not normal. Who leaves their live-in boyfriend and stays out overnight? I don’t like that.”
It was just stubbornness, and Yang Juwon had no words. What kind of person stops someone from seeing their family? His face grew hot. He touched his cheek with the back of his hand.
Ugh, what a hassle. For the first time, that thought crossed his mind. And he was angry too.
At Choi Sungbin for being stubborn, and at himself for putting up with it. Choi Sungbin knew Yang Juwon would tolerate it, so he pushed harder. Yang Juwon bit his lip hard.
“Decide right now, sunbae. Are you going for a day trip after work, or this weekend?”
He put an end to it. It was always the same pattern.
“If you go?”
“Then you won’t have anyone to nag you anymore.”
His breath scattered thinly. Yang Juwon scraped the inside of his lip with his teeth.
Why is he acting like this? This time, even Yang Juwon couldn’t find kind words.
“Why do you throw around breaking up so easily?”
“…”
“You said you wouldn’t talk about breaking up anymore. So why do you say it every time you’re a little upset?”
The man’s eyes shook violently. Yang Juwon sighed and looked away.
“Are you hurt? Then just say so. Tell me why you’re upset or what’s bothering you. I know I’m not good at reading you. But I’m trying to understand your feelings. Can’t you just be honest?”
“I just told you not to go. But you keep…”
“Then I won’t go?”
“…”
“I just won’t go, right?”
Finally, Yang Juwon stood up from the sofa. Choi Sungbin reached out and grabbed his wrist. Yang Juwon, who was walking away, paused and looked down at him.
How can I fill his heart? Is it an impossible task for me?
Even when I got angry, looking into those eyes made me lose my resolve. They looked anxious. Like they were pleading to be held. The reaction Choi Sungbin wanted was always the same.
“…Where are you going?”
“To make a call. That’s what you wanted, right?”
Yang Juwon shook off the hand that grabbed him. He picked up his phone to make the call.
As he passed the sliding door separating the bedroom, he glanced back. Darkness pooled at the feet of the man sitting with his head lowered.
Choi Sungbin rubbed his face with dry hands.
The man’s gaze lingered in his mind. That brief glance, showing how bothersome and pathetic he found me, was etched into my brain.
It was the first time he’d seen such an expression on Yang Juwon’s face.
How other people treated their lovers was none of my business. If I didn’t like it, so what? Either way, Yang Juwon’s family only made me feel inferior.
It just felt lousy every time I sensed the affection Yang Juwon had grown up receiving.
When I first saw Yang Juwon, I thought he was a gloomy loner, detached from the crowd. But that was just my misconception. He wasn’t the type to fret over relationships. Having lived in stable ones, he could afford to be alone.
The complete opposite of that was me.
Even when Yang Juwon tried to show stability, I kept wanting to test him, to confirm his feelings.
Choi Sungbin watched Yang Juwon’s back. He was on the phone with his younger sibling, apologizing repeatedly in a casual tone.
The man’s gentle voice reached me. Even after our emotional clash just moments ago, he was acting calm again. That guy probably never even vented his anger.
He made an excuse about not being able to skip his weekend part-time job. He didn’t mention that his lover had stopped him from going.
“I’ll call Dad, sorry. Yeah, need some pocket money? You’re earning your own, though. I’ll send you some. Sorry, really. I’ll come by after work, so let’s eat something nice as a family. Pick what you want to eat. Yeah.”
Soon after, he spoke with his parents too. He was blunt but dependable, a son they must be proud of. Mixing casual and polite speech, he even laughed occasionally. They must send him side dishes regularly and call often because of that pride.
Ugh, it’s pathetic. I let out an irritated sigh, feeling suffocated.
Yang Juwon returned to the living room after finishing the call, his expression the complete opposite of when he spoke with his family.
‘Looking at me like I’m trash, what the hell.’
Choi Sungbin gritted his teeth.
Why do you only look at me like that? I didn’t even say we should break up this time. I just told you to choose.
I wanted to confront him but kept my mouth shut. Instead, I changed the subject, pretending I didn’t notice. I didn’t want to show I’d read his expression.
“So… what are you doing this weekend?”
“I have to go to my part-time job. I need to text the boss again.”
“…”
“Go wash up. It’s time to sleep.”
The man, clutching his phone, sat at the dining table. He hunched over, sending a message. Choi Sungbin silently watched his back.
See, as soon as plans with his family fell through, he went right back to his routine.
It wasn’t just emptiness—it was powerlessness. What is this? Am I now just an afterthought to Yang Juwon? Did he get tired of me acting clingy? Does he dislike me now? But he didn’t say we should break up.
Yang Juwon has stable relationships. Even without me, he has others. But I have no one.
The few relationships I had were cut off after I met Yang Juwon. So now, all I have left is him. But it’s not the same for him.
My throat tightened.
Anxiety hit me. It was the worst.
So annoying. Damn jerk.
Choi Sungbin glared at Yang Juwon, who was sleeping with his back turned. Yang Juwon, who’d told him to sleep, had fallen asleep alone, even turning his back.
Normally, I’d have woken him up to keep him from sleeping, but not today. Looking at his back made me sad, even though there was no reason to feel that way just from seeing it.
I touched the wrinkled t-shirt. The man didn’t stir. Yeah, you’re sleeping soundly, aren’t you?
Choi Sungbin bit his nails.
I know it’s something to get angry about, but is it right that he doesn’t even look at me? Sure, I pushed him, but where’s the guy who used to touch my cheek and kiss me before bed?
Even so, I was relieved Yang Juwon said he wasn’t going to his parents’ house.
Just… I don’t want it. I know it’s unreasonable. But the future is clear. I’d be waiting at home alone for him, while he’d be happily spending time with his family, not even thinking of me.
Birthdays aren’t even that important, so why did he plan to skip his part-time job for it? Everyone talks about living to a hundred these days, so why celebrate sixty?
Plus, Yang Juwon, who’d usually agree easily, was being stubborn, which made me more determined. I never thought he’d get this angry, though.
“…Sunbae, are you asleep?”
“…”
Yang Juwon didn’t respond. I know I should just tell him to go, but I don’t want to. I’ve known for a while that he’s close with his family, but today, I hated it. What’s so important about family?
The ones by his side aren’t his damn family—it’s me.
Who asked for side dishes? It’d be better to buy or order food than receive those pathetic deliveries. Honestly, they don’t even taste good. Too salty, too spicy. Eating that stuff would ruin your stomach.
‘I can’t sleep…’
Choi Sungbin, fuming alone, eventually buried his forehead in the man’s shoulder. Even with his eyes closed, sleep wouldn’t come. His heart felt like it was racing for no reason. He placed a hand on his chest, unsure if it was real.
Baseless anxiety surged. What if Yang Juwon goes to his parents’ house without saying anything? Or what if he says he’s done with me because I’m too much trouble?
Negative thoughts spiraled.
Does Yang Juwon not like me anymore? Am I the only one in love? Then why even be in a relationship? Feeling pathetic, I tried to shift my mindset. Yang Juwon chose me over his family. That alone was enough to confirm his feelings.
Yang Juwon, you’re so annoying.
Choi Sungbin carefully hugged the man and turned him to lie flat. Finally, he could see his face properly. Damn, why did I fall for this ugly jerk… Tears almost welled up from frustration but stopped. Instead, he brushed back Yang Juwon’s bangs and silently kissed his lips.
Holding him close, the turmoil finally calmed a bit. The racing heartbeat, the boiling anxiety, the uneven breathing.
This was all Yang Juwon’s fault. He’d spoiled me from the start. By always giving in, he made me crave constant reassurance. How far would Yang Juwon go for me? How much would he accept me?
I want to change, but when I get upset, I blurt out things like breaking up or get irritated. How does this guy even put up with it? Today, when Yang Juwon got angry for the first time, my heart sank. But hasn’t he been enduring all along?
It’s time for me to change too. I won’t say we should break up just because I’m angry. I won’t call him ugly either. I’ll just cherish him, so he can feel my heart.
Choi Sungbin hugged him tighter, burying his nose in Yang Juwon’s hair, eyes squeezed shut.
I know. I won’t sleep tonight.
In the end, I stayed up all night. Yang Juwon woke up as usual. Without asking if I slept well, he went to the bathroom to wash up. Choi Sungbin sat blankly on the sofa, watching it all. He didn’t ask if Yang Juwon slept well either.
Yang Juwon acted like I wasn’t there. After washing up, he changed clothes and drank a glass of water from the purifier. Choi Sungbin silently followed his movements with his eyes. The thoughts that kept him up all night had already fizzled out.
How long is he going to stay mad?
“I’ll drive you.”
“Just stay home.”
“What’s wrong with you?”
Yang Juwon finally put down his glass. His eyes were strange. The moment our gazes met, I got upset. I wanted to snap at him for looking at me like that, but Choi Sungbin bit his lip instead.
If your family’s so precious, just get lost, I wanted to yell. What’s family, anyway? They just gave birth to you and raised you, that’s it. If they’re so important, they wouldn’t let you live in this rundown studio. Sending side dishes doesn’t cut it. All it does is make your kid feel guilty.
I know that’s not true, but I couldn’t help resenting his parents. Honestly, if it weren’t for the birthday, we wouldn’t have fought.
“Why are you making that face?”
Yang Juwon said the words I wanted to say first.
“What?”
Choi Sungbin replied curtly.
“Are you mad?”
“I’m not mad.”
“You’re mad.”
“I said I’m not, so why are you acting like this?”
“Sungbin-ah.”
“Yeah.”
“I think I’m a bit mad this time.”
My body flinched without meaning to. Choi Sungbin bit his lip hard, trying to calm himself. So what if you’re mad?
“Then just go. Go see your family. There’s still time. Just go. Why are you acting mad at me when you’re the one who made the choice?”
“Isn’t that what you wanted? You chose this. So why are you making that face?”
“What’s wrong with my face? I’m telling you to go.”
“I can’t now. I already told the boss yesterday I’d work this weekend.”
“Then you made the decision. So why are you…?”
Yang Juwon gave the same look as yesterday. Annoyed, fed up, like he didn’t even want to continue talking. His expression said it all.
“Let’s stop.”
“What?”
Choi Sungbin’s eyes widened. Had he misheard the calm words? …Stop what?
Yang Juwon closed his eyes briefly, hiding his expression, and shook his head slightly.
“I mean, let’s stop fighting. I’m going alone today, so you stay home and cool off. You didn’t sleep, did you?”
“…”
“I probably won’t contact you right away. I’ll call you after work.”
Yang Juwon left after saying that.
Choi Sungbin bit his trembling lips, staring endlessly at the door the man had walked out of.
📝
Deposit┃10,000,000
A deposit notification popped up on Yang Juwon’s phone. Glancing at it indifferently, he furrowed his brow. It wasn’t payday for his part-time job, so why was money deposited?
Counting the zeros, his eyes widened. What’s this?
The depositor was Choi Sungbin. Yang Juwon let out an “uh…” and cautiously picked up his phone, checking his surroundings.
What’s this?
He was still upset, but he had to figure out why this money was sent. Having such a large sum in his account felt burdensome.
Yang Juwon propped his chin, staring at his phone. Shortly after sending a message, the read receipt disappeared. It seemed Choi Sungbin was waiting for his message. Honestly, it was a bit obvious this time.
Give it to your dad.
Since I can’t go to your parents’ house, tell him to buy what he needs.
The amount was high for just buying necessities. Maybe it was a mistake. Perhaps one or two extra zeros were added.
Did you send it by mistake?
It’s exactly ten million won.
It’s correct…
How am I supposed to give this to my parents? I’ll send it back.
With a sigh, he opened the banking app. Unable to transfer ten million at once, he sent it back in chunks of two million.
?
Choi Sungbin sent a message, but Yang Juwon ignored it and stubbornly sent all the money back.
Why did Choi Sungbin send this money? Was it because he mentioned giving pocket money yesterday, or was it out of guilt? Whatever the reason, Yang Juwon couldn’t accept it. If he gave this to his parents, they’d think something was wrong with him. For someone neither rich nor poor, giving ten million won as a birthday gift was unthinkable.
Did he think this was appropriate? Or did he think even adding a bit more would make me forgive him and accept it gladly?
Yang Juwon sent a reply only after returning all the money.
You don’t need to send money. It’s my dad’s birthday, so I’ll handle it.
Just take it.
It’s fine.
Was he sending it because he was bothered by yesterday? If so, an apology would be better than money. Replacing it with money isn’t a good approach.
Yang Juwon knew Choi Sungbin was concerned about the situation. He knew he hadn’t slept either. Sharing a bed, it was impossible not to notice.
Around dawn, when Yang Juwon woke up, he was in Choi Sungbin’s arms. He couldn’t see his face but knew he wasn’t asleep.
The man held him quietly, patting his shoulder. Restless, he pulled Yang Juwon close, burying his nose in his hair.
He couldn’t stay still, moving like someone anxious, holding him, kissing him, breathing evenly.
Yang Juwon almost told him to sleep but pretended not to notice. Honestly, he was confused too.
Feeling that Choi Sungbin was bothersome. Had he ever felt that way before, despite everything that had happened? Countless thoughts tangled in his mind.
Not just confusion—he would’ve shaken him awake normally, but not being able to made him feel a bit sorry and frustrated.
Just… ugh, I don’t know, he thought, falling back asleep. He didn’t want to think deeply.
“…”
After hesitating, he sent a string of messages. No reply came, but the previous ones were already read.
Did you sleep at all?
No, I didn’t.
Why not?
Couldn’t sleep.
Don’t come pick me up, just sleep.
I want to go to your place, sunbae.
It’s dangerous to drive without sleep.
Stay home, I’ll come right after.
I’ll take a taxi.
So stubborn. Yang Juwon finally sent a reply telling him to take a taxi and be careful.
Okay.
A playful reply came back.
I’ll grab dinner outside. What do you want?
I don’t really want anything.
I’ll just pick something.
Okay.
Even though they were arguing just this morning, the conversation flowed surprisingly smoothly. It felt like it was fizzling out. Yang Juwon was genuinely upset this time, but seeing Choi Sungbin soften made it hard to stay angry.
I can’t win. Never even tried to.
With a low sigh, he felt Hayoung, sitting nearby, glance at him. Yang Juwon ignored her gaze.
If she asked what was Dolores was wrong, he wouldn’t know what to say. Getting caught up in thoughts left him with no answers. It’d be better to talk at home. Just…
📝
The way to the studio apartment felt unfamiliar despite being a familiar path.
The summer air carried a fishy smell, mixed with food aromas from open bars and the faint scent of fabric softener from someone’s laundry.
Though the sun hadn’t set, people were already out for drinks and dinner. Despite being off the main street, it was typical of Seoul’s university district.
Yang Juwon walked, swinging a plastic bag. He’d bought a large bento for dinner, knowing Choi Sungbin probably hadn’t eaten.
The semester break was almost over. All he’d done was work. Days dragged, but weeks and months flew by like a hamster wheel.
He adjusted his grip on the bag as he entered the alley. Arriving at the building, he climbed the external stairs and opened the door. The dim studio smelled musty. It’d been a while. Maybe he should’ve moved out—rent and fees piled up for a place he rarely used.
Inside, Choi Sungbin was fast asleep, so quiet he seemed lifeless. The air conditioner hummed.
Typical Choi Sungbin, unable to handle discomfort.
Knowing he hadn’t slept last night, Yang Juwon didn’t wake him. He moved quietly, turning on the air purifier and wiping the floor. As he finished, Choi Sungbin stirred, groggily sitting up.
He might’ve slept, but he looked exhausted.
“…You’re here?”
His voice was hoarse with sleep. Yang Juwon nodded softly, and Choi Sungbin flopped back onto the bedding, watching him quietly.
Yang Juwon turned on the light. The brightness felt better after the dimness. Choi Sungbin winced slightly and closed his eyes.
After cleaning, Yang Juwon turned off the air purifier.
“Let’s eat. I got a bento outside.”
He set up the table, placing the bento in front of Choi Sungbin. He grabbed water and utensils. Choi Sungbin started eating, picking at the rice with chopsticks. It wasn’t pleasant to watch. He was unusually quiet today. Well, no wonder.