The Muse

The second son among three brothers.Above him was an older brother, and below him was a younger brother.Sihoo had neither the expectations placed on the eldest nor the affection given to the youngest. He realized early on that no matter what he did, he could never receive the same spotlight as his brothers.Instead of begging his parents for love, Sihoo quietly honed his abilities. He didn’t want to be a mediocre person in society.His consistent efforts paid off. He maintained top grades in any field and was adept at interacting with people. His sharp observation skills, calm composure, and charisma that didn’t bow to anyone made Sihoo stand out as a remarkable talent.He was satisfied. An elite recognized by everyone. A person with solid strength that was hard to find. Sihoo was confident that he could continue living this way.But why?Suddenly, he felt like a bug trapped in a cocoon. The emotion that seeped into his bones was helplessness. The unprecedented boredom made Sihoo uncomfortable.He needed to find it.He needed to find a corner to breathe, to shake off the persistent feeling.Sihoo thought it had to be a sure yet light means.Like a disposable item, something to use once and throw away.Sihoo was sitting on the edge of the bed, holding his forehead. The hangover from the wine he drank last night was tormenting him. His temples throbbed as if they were about to burst, and his limbs felt a dull pain as if he had been beaten. Sihoo swallowed dryly through his cracked throat and cursed.“Damn.”His dry voice was filled with self-loathing. What a mess. It was too much to justify that he drank to relieve stress. As a result of drinking recklessly, he was now in an unfamiliar place.He lowered his hand and looked around nervously. It wasn’t a spacious room.The transparent morning sunlight poured through the window, and the desk and bookshelf below it were all things he had never seen before.Sihoo coughed once and touched the bed. There was nothing on the clean bed sheet except warmth. It was fortunate that there were no sticky semen or condoms found.‘Maybe they cleaned it up beforehand.’A third-generation chaebol in a state of unconsciousness. He wondered if there was a video taken somewhere to blackmail him. Did he hit someone while drunk, or did he engage in sexual acts…?“Sexual.”He moved his tongue and spoke the thought he just had. The events of last night flashed through his mind like a lightning bolt.‘Teach me.’‘Kiss.’The voice from the past pierced his ears.‘You’re weak here too.’‘The roof of your mouth and the nape of your neck. Where else are you weak?’Sihoo clicked his tongue with a frown. A college student working part-time at a friend’s bar. A boy with a model student face who smoked.He thought of the boy who, despite not fitting the image, evoked a strange feeling. The moment he remembered the boy who kissed fearlessly despite being a first-timer, a warm voice echoed from behind as the door opened.“Are you okay with the hangover?”This time, it was a voice from the present, not the past. Sihoo’s brows furrowed in discomfort. It was because of the way the person spoke as if they had known each other for a long time.Sihoo turned around with a hardened face. The person receiving his wary gaze was Yejun.Maybe it was because of the morning sunlight, but Yejun was full of vitality. He exuded a brighter feeling than last night and was neatly dressed. His tidy hair, clean face, and unwrinkled clothes were all immaculate.Sihoo swallowed a sigh. Unlike the other person who seemed to exude a fresh soap scent, his own appearance was undoubtedly a mess. He brushed his forehead, which was still warm, and got up from the bed.“Ugh.”Suddenly, a wave of dizziness hit him. Staggering, Sihoo glanced at the full-length mirror. His premonition was right. His disheveled black hair was sticking out, and there was fatigue around his reddish eyes. His slightly sunken cheeks gave a dry and hollow impression.“…”Suddenly confronted with his own appearance, he was at a loss for words. As he stared blankly, Yejun handed him something. It was a cup, offered politely with both hands. The smooth porcelain cup was filled with clear water.He didn’t need to ask to know it was meant for him to drink. As he stared at the water, his parched throat cried out for relief.Sihoo nodded in thanks and took the cup. The warm water pleasantly soothed his cracked throat.“Would you like more?”Yejun, who had asked this, was now waiting with his hands clasped together. The sight of him, as if serving an elder, made Sihoo chuckle.“Here.”Sihoo paused to clear his throat.“…Is this your house, Yejun?”Yejun’s lips curled into a smile, as if he found something amusing. It was a kind smile, but there was a hint of mischief, as if he was enjoying the situation.“Yes.”“Why am I here…?”“You said you were sleepy.”Yejun replied with a look that seemed to ask if he didn’t remember. Unlike Yejun, who had a slight smile, Sihoo’s facial muscles remained stiff.“Did I?”The dizziness intensified rapidly. Sihoo’s grip tightened around the cup handle.‘This is crazy.’Feeling the veins on the back of his hand bulge, Sihoo felt a wave of self-disgust. He had said he was sleepy? It wasn’t hard to imagine himself whining like a child and bothering the other person. The heat climbed from his nape to his ears.“You should have just left me.”He managed to speak in a voice that feigned calmness. Yejun shook his head.“I couldn’t just leave you. It was cold outside.”“…You could have called Hyunseok.”“The boss was busy.”“And it’s okay for you to be busy?”Instead of answering immediately, Yejun brought a kettle filled with water. With a ‘trickle’ sound, the water arched into the cup. Sihoo watched the rising steam absentmindedly.“Don’t worry, it was manageable.”Yejun’s soft voice tickled Sihoo’s ears.“The place is close to the shop. It’s a distance I could carry you.”“Carried me?”Sihoo rarely stuttered. For someone who usually spoke smoothly, this was unusual. In a situation that would surprise or intrigue his acquaintances, Yejun blinked innocently.‘Unbelievable.’It wasn’t hard to imagine himself being carried by the boy while drunk. Sihoo swallowed a curse and took another sip of water. Watching him, Yejun muttered to himself.“You don’t have to be so embarrassed. It’s okay.”Would it be okay if it were you? Sihoo raised an eyebrow while his lips touched the cup. The fact that he had shown such a disgraceful appearance made his nerves stand on end like needles. His sharp gaze had its usual intimidating effect, but Yejun didn’t flinch.“There was no drunken behavior. You just slept soundly after coming here.”After wetting his throat with water, Sihoo asked.“Did I look embarrassed?”“Yes.”“Why?”“Your ears turned red.”“…”He almost bit his tongue. Glancing sideways, he saw his reflection in the mirror with indeed red ears. Feeling the heat in his rounded earlobes, Sihoo slowly closed and opened his eyes. After a moment, a tired tone slipped from his lips.“Sorry for the trouble.”“I told you it’s okay. I’m not just saying that.”Yejun opened the door wider. Beyond him, another space was faintly visible.Sihoo felt an urge to push Yejun away and run outside the building. But instead of acting on his impulse, he said something else.“Can I use the bathroom?”He still couldn’t trust Yejun. He needed to know if he really just slept or if something else had happened, and what Yoo Yejun had done during that time. Only then could he completely wash away the unease in his heart.“This way.”While Sihoo was thinking, Yejun guided him to the bathroom. It only took a few steps to reach the bathroom, and Sihoo realized that this was a small two-room apartment. While Yejun went back into the room, Sihoo turned his head and looked around.The clean and tidy space resembled its owner. There was no dust or stains, indicating that Yejun cleaned whenever he had the chance. In this neat place, the only thing out of place was Sihoo himself.At that moment, Sihoo’s gaze fixed on something. It was the dining table. There were densely written music scores, classical concert brochures, and a small picture frame. Sihoo lowered his head to look at the photo in the frame.“…”There was Yoo Yejun. Dressed in a black suit, Yejun had his hair slicked back. He seemed unaware that the photo was being taken, as he was staring at something with a calm expression. His dry appearance unexpectedly gave off a cool impression.“Ah!”A startled voice came from behind. Yejun hurried over to the table and covered the frame. In his other hand, he held neatly folded clothes.“Did you see it?”Yejun’s cheeks were flushed as he asked. Sihoo nodded without much thought.“Why are you so embarrassed? Isn’t the frame there for people to see?”“Ah… Actually, it’s not a frame I put there.”Yejun laughed awkwardly.“My brother put it there. I forgot to put it away, how embarrassing.”“Why put it away? It looked good.”Sihoo recalled Yejun playing the piano last night. He had captivated many people with just a piano, shining like a jewel. Remembering Yejun’s fingers freely dancing on the keys, Sihoo spoke again.“Did you participate in a competition or something?”“Something like that.”Yejun answered vaguely and handed the clothes he was holding to Sihoo. The clothes had a soft fabric softener scent. It was a smell that didn’t suit Sihoo, who had a sharp image from head to toe.However, his appearance was too messy to refuse just because it didn’t suit him. Sihoo accepted the clothes and thanked Yejun.“Thank you.”As he took the clothes, their fingers brushed against each other. Sihoo felt the other person hold their breath in surprise.“I’ll wash up well.”When he added this, Yejun’s eyes wavered. He maintained a moment of silence before giving a clumsy smile.“Take your time.”Just before closing the bathroom door, Sihoo looked at Yejun standing there. Yejun was now rubbing his cheek and staring at the floor. The relaxed Yejun had disappeared, replaced by a boy who seemed tense.Click.The door closed completely, and a faint smile appeared on Sihoo’s lips. Right. For someone who had kissed, he was acting too nonchalantly. Didn’t he say it was his first experience? As he thought about it, the conversation they had came to mind.‘How was it? Did you learn something?’‘Hmm, I’m not sure. I think I need to do it one more time to know.’The sensation of their lips touching sweetly resurfaced. He remembered the moment their teeth clashed and separated, and Yejun’s tongue boldly entering his mouth despite it being his first time.The memories that filled his mind all at once made him dizzy. Sihoo turned on the shower and washed his body. Water slid down his earlobes and nape.‘And then? What did we do next?’He couldn’t remember what happened after that, as he was too drunk. The last thing he recalled was Yejun slipping his hand inside his coat. Sihoo let out a light sigh.“…Ha.”He must have really fallen asleep. Just imagining himself being carried while asleep filled him with shame. The mistake he had never made in his life until now irritated him.Sihoo raised his wet hand and nervously rubbed his face.⟡ ݁₊ .After finishing his shower, Sihoo’s eyes regained their calmness. The emotions of embarrassment, discomfort, awkwardness, and self-loathing were suppressed, leaving only a gentle ripple in his gaze.He slightly opened the door and reached out his arm. On the floor, the clothes Yejun had given him were waiting.As he picked them up, Sihoo looked up. Yejun, who was sitting at the dining table, was looking at him, holding the music scores he had seen earlier.“Yejun.”Yejun’s eyes widened, not expecting to be called suddenly.“Yes, yes?”“I just called you because you were staring too much.”Yejun quickly mumbled an apology and averted his gaze. Sihoo admired his profile, which seemed to be staring intently at the music scores, and then picked up the rest of the clothes.A moment later, the two of them were facing each other across the dining table. As soon as Sihoo sat down, Yejun moved the piano scores aside.Looking at the scores brought back vague childhood memories. For Sihoo, playing musical instruments was an area that was difficult to even keep as a hobby. Pressing the keys brought frustration instead of joy or satisfaction. The biggest cause of his negative emotions was his fingers not moving as he wanted.He found it fascinating that Yejun could play the piano so freely. How did he come to play the piano? Sihoo was rubbing his hair with a towel when he noticed a change on the dining table.“You put away the frame.”He found the cold and sensitive face refreshing, but it seemed Yejun had quickly put it away. Yejun replied, looking embarrassed.“I put it away earlier. It was still embarrassing to see.”Yejun’s fresh and kind voice echoed in Sihoo’s head. Sihoo’s gaze moved over Yejun’s face, which was smiling. He didn’t seem like someone who would mix tongues with a drunk person they had just met.Of course, Sihoo clearly remembered the fox-like eyes that curved and the dimples that gave off a sensual feeling, contrary to his upright appearance. He also remembered the boldness of pushing him against the wall and initiating the kiss.“You weren’t embarrassed to mix tongues with me?”Sihoo spoke his thoughts bluntly. Yejun’s lips twitched at his indifferent tone. He hadn’t expected Sihoo to openly mention the events of the previous night.Unlike the flustered Yejun, Sihoo remained calm. He had managed to compose his emotions while showering.“I remember kissing you, Yejun.”“Ah…”“Thanks for putting up with my drunken behavior.”“Drunken behavior?”“Yes, drunken behavior. It’s not something I’d do sober.”Sihoo’s slow voice was endlessly calm.“Never.”Yejun’s smooth forehead tensed. He didn’t seem angry, but he didn’t look pleased either.“I didn’t mind.”After a moment, Yejun spoke.“I only enjoyed it.”His straightforward confession felt quite refreshing to Sihoo. Was I ever that bold? No similar memories came to mind as he thought back.Tilting his head slightly, Sihoo drew a soft smile. Compared to the frowning Yejun, his smile was gentle and relaxed, like that of an adult.“I’m glad you enjoyed it.”“And you?”Just like yesterday, Yejun called him ‘hyung’ again today. Sihoo took a sip of water from his cup before answering.“Did I enjoy it? Well.”“…”“I don’t remember well.”Half was a lie, and half was the truth. There were many things that made it hard to say he enjoyed it. He hadn’t properly sucked on the base of Yejun’s tongue due to the drunkenness. There wasn’t enough time to savor those crimson lips either.“Then.”At that moment, Yejun took a deep breath and hesitated as if wanting to say something. Sihoo cast him a look that said, If you have something to say, just say it, while tapping the handle of his cup.Tap, tap, tap.“Should we try again?”The movement of his hand on the cup handle stopped. Yejun, who had made the suggestion, bit his lower lip. The dimples by his mouth hinted at his embarrassment. His awkward reaction, as if confessing something, made Sihoo silently stare at him.How much time had passed? It was Sihoo who eventually broke the silence.“No.”“…Why?”Despite the wavering gaze, Yejun’s polite question pleased Sihoo. Like a teacher instructing a student, he explained slowly.“I told you—it’s not something I’d do sober.”“……”“Kissing you, Yejun, was an accident. I can’t let it happen again.”Yejun’s cheeks and earlobes turned crimson. Sihoo suppressed a laugh at his expression, so full of shame. Anyone watching might think he’d gone and done something outrageous.Sihoo let go of the cup handle he’d been holding instead of Yejun’s body. He stood and walked to the room with calm movements. Even as he put on his coat and gathered his neatly folded clothes, his demeanor remained composed.“Wait!”At those words, the sharp screech of a chair moving echoed from behind. Yejun, now standing, wore a troubled expression, as if reflecting on what he might have done wrong. It was almost pitiable.There was no helping it. Acting without thinking of the consequences wasn’t in Sihoo’s nature.A person who strategizes for both big and small matters, one who avoids losing anything or exposing vulnerabilities—that was Baek Sihoo. Yesterday’s drunken mishap had been an exception, but now, he was fully himself.In a perfectly clear-headed state, Sihoo acted in accordance with his nature.“I’m curious about something.”“……”“Last night, I didn’t do anything wrong to you, did I?”Yejun lowered his gaze halfway.“No, nothing happened. You don’t have to worry.”But instead of breathing a sigh of relief, Sihoo lowered his voice further.“Then what about you, Yejun? Did you do anything wrong to me?”“…What?”“Did you touch me while I was asleep? Or maybe record something weird…”“What’s the point of asking something like that?”Yejun lifted his head abruptly, clearly taken aback. Meeting his startled gaze, Sihoo shrugged.“You never know.”“I didn’t do anything like that.”Yejun’s indignant tone grazed Sihoo’s ears.“I just… I was worried. No matter how much I shook you, you wouldn’t wake up. I was scared something might have happened… That’s all I thought about.”As he quietly listened, Sihoo nodded in understanding. The gentle tone and earnest explanation made him realize there was nothing more to gain from continuing the conversation. He placed his hand on Yejun’s shoulder to stop him.“Alright, I’m sorry.”Yejun seemed stunned by the sudden apology. His eyelids still trembled, showing just how upset he was. Sihoo only smirked slightly.“I just asked out of caution. The world’s a tough place, you know.”Judging by Yejun’s reaction, it was clear he hadn’t done anything troublesome. Transparent and easy to read—thankfully, that’s the kind of person Yejun was. Sihoo patted his shoulder gently.“Thanks for understanding.”Even though it was meant as gratitude, Yejun’s face grew colder. His icy gaze reminded Sihoo of the expression he had seen in a framed photograph. With a look that suggested he might shove his hand away at any moment, Sihoo took a step back first.“……”“……”As the tension hung in the air, Sihoo let out a sigh and slipped his hands into the pockets of his coat.As he pulled out his wallet to find a check, his cheek tingled slightly. When he raised his head, Yejun was still staring at him intently, as if trying to bore a hole through him. In those brown eyes, emotions surged turbulently.He’s angry.It wasn’t hard to understand why. After carrying him, putting him to bed, and even lending him clothes, what he got in return was suspicion. He must have thought it was ungrateful.Even so, Sihoo’s emotions didn’t waver. It couldn’t be helped—they were practically strangers. Trusting just anyone wasn’t a rule of survival in this world, or so he thought indifferently.Sihoo held out the check in his hand. Instead of taking it, Yejun frowned and stayed silent, as if asking what he meant.“It’s not much, but please accept it.”“……”“It’d be better for you to buy new clothes rather than me having them dry-cleaned and returned.”“Is this for the clothes?”Yejun alternated his gaze between the check and Sihoo’s face, asking again.“This money?”“Is it not enough?”While Yejun seemed at a loss for words, Sihoo pulled out another check and offered it as if to say he should take it.Yejun furrowed his brows further, his face showing a mix of confusion, irritation, and disbelief.“I can’t accept this.”“Why?”“……It’s too much money.”Sihoo tilted his head as he checked the amount in his hand.“Too much…?”Yejun’s lips twisted as if he had been insulted. Sihoo instinctively sensed that he had inadvertently hurt his pride.Maybe it’s because he’s still young? Well, at his age, this could indeed seem like a lot of money.He considered saying not to feel burdened but decided against it. His empty stomach had begun to ache. The urge to eat something and lie down in a comfortable space surged strongly. Suppressing those instincts to explain things kindly wasn’t within Sihoo’s nature.Instead, what Sihoo did was move closer, stepping up to Yejun’s feet.“What are you…”He heard Yejun mutter softly and moved his hand. The hand holding the check moved toward Yejun’s thigh. Before finding his pocket, the edge of the check lightly brushed against the area. Though there was no intention to provoke, Yejun’s firm body twitched as if startled.At the clear reaction, a faint smirk tugged at Sihoo’s lips. He suddenly found it a bit regretful. While not exactly his type, the reactions were endearingly cute. Sihoo slid the check along with his hand into Yejun’s pants pocket.“What do you think you’re doing?”Yejun reflexively grabbed Sihoo’s shoulder and growled. His voice was hoarse, each syllable pronounced with deliberate emphasis. But instead of enjoying the moment, Sihoo blinked rapidly.“……”“I’m asking you—what are you doing?”For the first time, a hint of surprise crossed Sihoo’s otherwise impassive face. When he put the check in Yejun’s pocket, his hand unexpectedly felt something thick and firm. The long, rigid sensation made Sihoo momentarily wonder what it could be. It took only a few seconds to realize it was none other than the boy’s genitals.How big is it?As he withdrew his hand, Sihoo chuckled inwardly. If he had been more submissive, he might have been tempted. Instead of drawing a boundary here, there was a strong chance he would have made a move on this boy again.Fortunately—or unfortunately—Sihoo was a dominant alpha by nature. He preferred to put himself inside someone rather than the other way around.With that thought, he tapped Yejun’s thigh leisurely, purely impressed.“You kept refusing to take it, so I had no choice. Don’t argue—just accept it.”Twitch, twitch.Even though it was a light touch, Yejun’s reactions were pronounced. A smile appeared in Sihoo’s eyes as he watched him. Yejun stepped aside, brushing his hand off by smacking the back of it away.Thud.In the silence, a dull sound echoed. Yejun, startled by his own action, widened his eyes. Sihoo merely tilted his head and gave a brief nod in farewell.“Well then, I’ll be off.”His tone was appropriately polite yet firm. Yejun remained frozen, like a plaster statue, as though he had committed some grave offense. As Sihoo passed by, he glanced briefly at him. All this over a mere slap on the back of the hand?Anyone would think I actually hit him.When he closed the door, the officetel’s elevator came into view. Stepping inside, Sihoo double-checked his pockets. His phone, wallet, and other belongings were all accounted for.As he stepped outside, the cold air greeted him. The winter wind roughly tousled his fine hair, the chill brushing against his scalp. Sihoo began walking, feeling the faint scent wafting from Yejun’s clothes beneath his coat. The soft, warm, and cozy fragrance seemed to soothe his tired body.Sihoo let out a weary sigh, then murmured in a voice so low that no one could hear.“What a sweet kid.”He was referring to Yejun. Someone who carried a stranger home, gave him a place to sleep, and then, even when brushed off by someone teasing him, froze in surprise rather than lashing out. So unlike himself, worn and hardened by society and the world.Yes, a sweet, straightforward kid. While there was an undeniable hint of naivety in his behavior, even that came across as endearing to Sihoo.Without parting his lips, Sihoo smiled. Even knowing he could be cruel, he found it hard to suppress the amusement.⟡ ݁₊ .Not a bad turn of events.That was Sihoo’s evaluation. The kiss with a stranger after so long had been electrifying. Though clumsy, the other person had a bold streak that made the experience exhilarating. Unlike his skilled former partners, the boy’s different reactions had been entertaining.Once he wrapped it up as a pleasant memory and returned to his daily life, he resumed checking ongoing projects, issuing instructions, and reviewing scheduled plans. It was during this routine that Sihoo realized something.His body felt light. For the first time in a long while.His mind was as clear as if he’d just woken from a deep sleep, and an unusual vigor coursed through his entire body. Thanks to this, tasks that had felt burdensome not long ago were now handled with ease and without any change in his expression.Why?He pondered the reason for his restored condition. The first thing that came to mind was Yejun.However, Sihoo immediately dismissed the thought that it was solely because of him. For someone like Yoo Yejun to dispel his long-standing frustration in an instant—it was unlikely. It had to be because he’d loosened up after drinking to his heart’s content.Yet not long after, Sihoo began to feel a growing sense of discomfort, realizing that he might have been wrong. Standing with a stiff expression and tight lips, he watched the people across from him.The group, visibly drunk, was filled with familiar faces, laughing boisterously.“Please go easy on me, Chief Prosecutor. That damn reporter is driving me crazy. Ugh… If you could help me out, hehe, I’ll make sure to give you a great New Year’s gift!”The man pouring drinks was the CEO of a steel company, Goeu. His oily face beamed as he directed his words toward the head of the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors’ Office. The prosecutor leaned in, asking for more details about the gift.“Hey, come on! Are you looking down on me because I only graduated middle school? Huh? Is that it? Just because you went to Seoul National University?”“Haha, no, of course not! Come on, now.”“Don’t underestimate someone just because they didn’t study. You know what they say, don’t you? A guy without book smarts can have great street smarts. Who was it that tipped you off to buy that land, huh?”“You think I don’t know? Come on, let’s not make a fuss. Relax.”Nearby, another group was having a separate conversation. Just a few steps away from the prosecutor stood a man often referred to as a “thug.”People who normally disparaged him as a lowlife were now gathered around him, their faces ingratiating. This was because a major real estate speculation scheme he had orchestrated with a member of the National Assembly had yielded successful results recently.Eager to join in on the speculation and align themselves with the Assembly member, who was now running for mayor, people were scrambling to curry favor.From the media, the prosecution, politics, business, and even the entertainment industry—at this gathering arranged by an entrepreneur, everyone circled around like hyenas, hoping to gain something.Unlike those beasts on the hunt, Sihoo stood still. His lips remained in a straight line.“President.”One of his secretaries called to him cautiously. The respectful tone implied that he should be doing something rather than just standing there. Sihoo understood this unspoken request. Whether for his business or for his father, the chairman, it was necessary to mingle at this gathering.Even knowing this, Sihoo remained silent, his expression unchanged. It was a stark contrast to his usual assertive, commanding presence that drew everyone’s attention. The secretaries exchanged uneasy glances, unsure of how to proceed.“Hey, there’s our director!”Suddenly raising his voice was a lawyer affiliated with Sangwon. A former prosecutor, he had made many connections through his natural eloquence and excellent social skills. After giving a nod to Sihoo, the lawyer quickly ran ahead, showing his ambition to impress someone.Sihoo followed the man slowly. With each leisurely step of his long legs, people around him began to take notice. Eyes filled with undisguised desire and ambition clung to his entire body. Normally, he could ignore it all, but today it felt particularly unpleasant.A frown creased his forehead. He had been in good condition for once, so why were his emotions running wild again? Instead of feeling motivated, he was deeply mired in a sense of helplessness that made him want to do nothing.“Oh, Director! How have you been? Yes, yes, I’ve joined Sangwon now. Haha!”The lawyer bowed obsequiously, attracting the attention of the director. A celebrity, with an Omega scent wafting, smiled at them.Despite the friendly responses, Sihoo felt no particular emotion. He knew all too well that the warm smiles were entirely fabricated.At that moment, a different personality came to mind. Unintentionally, he recalled Yejun’s cold face.‘What are you doing?’Yejun couldn’t hide his anger at the two checks. His reaction, as if he’d been deeply insulted, lingered in Sihoo’s mind. Compared to those drunkenly scheming for their own gain, Yejun was as clear as crystal.“Ahahaha! Nice to meet you, Director!”Someone’s voice, calling out to Sihoo, was annoyingly loud. Amidst the rising fatigue, an unexpected wish emerged in Sihoo’s heart. That wish was…“…Haha.”Sihoo smiled faintly, tilting his stiffened lips slightly. His face showed a hint of resignation, yet a touch of relief.⟡ ݁₊ .Beside the sidewalk where people were coming and going, a black car came to a stop.The person who stepped out, dressed in a grey coat over a black suit, was Baek Sihoo. Feeling the wind tear through the air, he checked the watch on his wrist. His eyes, framed by long black eyelashes, twitched with dissatisfaction.Even though he had left the gathering early, he couldn’t arrive at the desired time. It was 1 AM. The odds that Yejun, a part-timer, would still be there were slim. Despite knowing this, he had come with a glimmer of hope that he might see Yoo Yejun.Sihoo nodded towards the car, signaling it to leave. Soon, the only thing around him was the biting winter wind. The wind, crashing noisily against the buildings, eventually tousled Sihoo’s hair. His neatly styled black hair began to unravel.He raised his hand habitually to tidy his hair when someone emerged from the nearby building entrance. Sihoo lowered his arm and looked at the person who appeared. It was none other than Yoo Yejun.Carrying a bag, Yejun’s outfit was more casual compared to Sihoo’s. His white padding jacket flapped in the wind, revealing a blue knit sweater underneath. His long legs were clad in jeans, and his big feet were in black sneakers, contrasting with the white padding jacket.As Yejun walked onto the sidewalk, he turned his head indifferently. Sihoo, standing a few steps away, met his gaze directly as Yejun’s eyes widened.“…”“…”In the silence, Sihoo scanned Yejun from head to toe. Perhaps it was because it was early morning, but he looked more exhausted than when they first met. His bright complexion was now pale, and there were gray circles under his eyes.Was it his imagination, or did the line from his cheek to his chin look sharper? Sihoo decided to voice the curiosity that had crossed his mind.“You look tired.”“…”“You’ve lost weight since I last saw you.”Upon hearing the first words, Yejun shed his surprised expression. His eyes, now cleared of confusion, shone with an unreadable emotion.He stepped closer to Sihoo, furrowing his brow and pressing his lips together. His straight, tight-lipped expression exuded reluctance, a look that didn’t match his shining eyes, thought Sihoo.“What about Hyunseok?”He asked again. Perhaps thinking he couldn’t ignore it any longer, Yejun finally opened his lips.“He’s upstairs.”“Tough job. …You must be finishing late today too, Yoo Yejun.”“My finishing time depends on the day of the week.”“Really?”Sihoo paused for a moment before adding more.“Can you tell me your schedule in detail, Yejun?”Yejun’s eyes twitched.“Why?”His voice was tinged with irritation. But Sihoo wasn’t fazed by Yejun’s prickly demeanor. He recognized the light in Yejun’s eyes. Those curious eyes wanted to know what Sihoo was thinking.In that moment, faces filled with flattery, wariness, and ambition flashed before Sihoo’s eyes. Compared to those worn down by society, Yejun’s gaze was remarkably honest. The unpleasantness that had plagued Sihoo since the gathering quickly dissipated.“Because I want to hear it.”Sihoo’s tone was unusually gentle. Yejun tilted his head and narrowed his eyes. In the city’s night air, their gazes clashed sharply.“I want to hear you play, Yejun. That’s why I’m asking.”After exhaling a white breath, Sihoo paused. He wanted Yejun to focus on his next words.“It’s also why I came here today.”“You came to hear me play?”“Yes.”Yejun let out a breathy laugh. He seemed to find the situation absurd.Sihoo understood Yejun’s feelings. The person who had drawn a line, saying he wouldn’t kiss him sober, had come back. And at this hour, to hear him play the piano.‘It’s ridiculous.’Even to himself, it was strange. Suddenly wanting to hear piano music. And feeling that impulse in the middle of a business gathering.There was no reason. He was simply drawn to the natural resonance from those long fingers. Sitting quietly and listening to Yejun play seemed like it would ease his fatigue.That’s why he had come here late at night. For someone who meticulously planned his actions, it was an unusual move.‘It’s also fun.’Yes, it was fun. Seeing Yejun frown as if asking why he was here made him smile.“You came too late. It’s already over for today.”Yejun’s tone was stiff, and Sihoo stopped smiling. But his lips remained slightly upturned.“I know. You’re on your way home now.”“…Aren’t you disappointed? You came all the way here at this hour.”Yejun’s voice was even lower as he added the last part.“To hear my piano playing.”“I’m disappointed. I wanted to hear it again, sober.”“You said you wouldn’t kiss me sober.”“Why bring that up now?”When he asked in a soft tone, Yejun closed his mouth. Regret quickly flashed across his straight face.A strange sense of joy slowly spread through Sihoo’s chest. He didn’t usually enjoy teasing people. But for some reason, he wanted to tease this boy.“I’m sorry, Yejun.”“…Why, are you going to give me a check again?”“No. I’ll stop that since it seems to upset you. I don’t want to be scolded for giving money.”Sihoo took a step closer to Yejun, who was standing still. The already close distance narrowed in an instant.“I just wanted to hear it. When I listen to your piano playing…”When I listen. Sihoo hesitated over how to finish the sentence. In that moment, his lips moved on their own.“I feel like my fatigue will ease.”“…”“I’m not in my right mind these days. I’m under a lot of stress.”Hearing his own words, Sihoo felt a bit embarrassed. The content, the voice, and the emotion were all too honest. Even in that short murmur, it was clear how exhausted he was.