In truth, given that there were more illegitimate children than legitimate ones in the community, just saying something like that to a younger sibling would have made one feel self-conscious.
“If that kid is really who he claims to be, could you handle him? Just like when you talked about the jajangmyeon, when I saw him threatening you earlier, he seemed quite something. I asked his friend if he was really like that, and they said he could do even worse things.”
“That’s why I chose him, so I’ll have to handle it.”
“Well… Your siblings are all mild-mannered so it’s fine, but to deal with your uncle, you do need someone who’s at least that tough…”
“That’s why I want to get this over with quickly. Tomorrow morning we’ll meet, organize the documents, and get everything notarized by Monday.”
As I quickly briefed the upcoming schedule and turned onto a dark road, increasing my speed, Junyoung’s voice rose as expected.
“So quickly?”
“The sooner the better. We’ve already decided to proceed this way.”
“No, no. Wait. Wait a minute. When you said you’d do it, I didn’t stop you because I thought it was unlikely to happen… But now that it’s actually happening, aren’t you rushing it? You should at least look into Jeonghoo’s younger brother a bit more. What we know so far is just official information, and we don’t know much about his private life or other details. We both know things can look clean on the surface but be different when you dig deeper.”
“That’s precisely what doesn’t matter.”
“Do you know who you are? If you get backstabbed somehow…”
“Even if he has other intentions, it doesn’t matter. This is a transaction with clear wants on both sides, which is why we’re making a contract. If he doesn’t keep the contract or has other motives, then I’ll pay him back accordingly.”
When Jaehyuk declared he would make sure they’d never recover, Junyoung fell silent.
If Jaehyuk set his mind to it, he could socially destroy not just Junghyun but his entire family with ease. It was a simple matter that wouldn’t even require much effort, just a few measures.
Public opinion says that family only has money, and money dries up if it doesn’t flow. And cutting off their money flow would be a very simple thing for Jaehyuk.
“That’s true, but wouldn’t it be best if such things don’t happen at all?”
“There’s no time for that now. We need to handle this quickly so everyone will shut up.”
“You’re surprisingly romantic… Does Yeonwoo know? About your tearful love?”
“I just don’t like being the subject of gossip. Keep that in mind and prepare. I’ll email you the summary of what we’ve agreed on.”
“Wow, even a summary? Cha Jaehyuk has become human?”
“I didn’t do it. That guy did.”
“Ah, he was a law school graduate, right?”
“He calls himself a human AI, so we’ll see his skills.”
“He says that about himself?”
“That’s exactly what he seems like to me.”
“Well, I guess it takes an AI to recognize an AI.”
When Jaehyuk frowned at the remark that he was just like him, Junyoung continued.
“Yeonwoo was laughing, saying that you two seem similar.”
Here we go again. Those two are equally bad.
“I’m not ill-mannered and rude like that guy.”
“That’s only because you’re always in the leading position.”
“Shut up.”
“That stings, doesn’t it?”
Jaehyuk quickly ended the call after Junyoung pointed out that there would be no worse insubordination than Jaehyuk’s if he were ever in a position to be led. Then, as he was changing lanes to make a left turn, a message notification sound came from his phone.
[Jajangmyeon] Prenuptial Agreement_1st draft.doc
Without any greeting or explanation, just an efficient message where the title explained everything. Jaehyuk stopped at a traffic signal and sent a message.
‘Tomorrow at 10 AM, Café Divine. Outdoor seating.’
After sending the meeting time and place along with a map of the café and waiting for a moment, a response arrived immediately.
[Jajangmyeon] I’ll see you in 9 hours.
Instead of the usual “see you tomorrow” greeting, he precisely stated the exact time, which was just like him.
Efficient and accurate. Plus, all conditions seemed perfectly tailored for him, making him the perfect match.
This guy will be fine.
It’s only for a year anyway.
And it might be surprisingly fun. Even though he says he doesn’t like it, our tastes strangely match well. We could probably exercise together or go surfing. It’s rare to find someone who can ride a 12-meter wave.
While I was considering making a surfing destination our honeymoon spot, another message notification sound rang.
I checked the screen, but this time it wasn’t from him.
[Yeonwoo] We’ve set the date for two months from now. Thank you.
They could hurry even more, but it seemed like they were still being cautious. Instead of saying something directly, I thought it better to let them make their own judgment, so I wrote a simple message.
‘Congratulations.’
After sending the brief greeting, Jaehyuk pressed the accelerator as the traffic light changed.
It was better than expected. And strangely, it didn’t bother him at all.
The end of his first love was unexpectedly calm and peaceful.
Chapter 4
The morning streets were particularly yellow with sunlight and tranquil.
Despite expectations of many people out enjoying the moderately cool breeze, the downtown area was empty.
Crossing the quiet city center, Jaehyuk arrived at the parking lot near the meeting place. After turning off the engine, he sent Junghyun a message.
‘Just arrived at the parking lot.’
Right after pressing the send button, he opened the car door and got out, feeling the cool breeze.
Until just a few days ago, there was a late summer heat wave, but today felt completely like autumn.
In the pleasant weather, Jaehyuk headed toward the meeting place in a comfortable outfit: a light gray long-sleeved t-shirt with an ivory cardigan, dark gray slacks, and sneakers. Just then, a message arrived.
[Jajangmyeon] I just arrived at the café too. But there are reporters nearby.
As expected, after dropping hints to a few loose-lipped individuals in the early hours yesterday, it seemed they had already leaked the information to reporters.
With everything going according to plan, Jaehyuk immediately pressed the call button.
“Hello.”
“I’m on my way. Let’s go in together.”
“I’ll wait for you.”
After hanging up, Jaehyuk headed straight into the café alley toward the meeting place, and spotted him standing in the distance.
Wearing large sunglasses and an unusually white oversized shirt with tight-fitting jeans, dragging slippers and yawning widely, he clearly looked like he had just rolled out of bed.
But his styling wasn’t bad. His excessively natural and comfortable attire actually suited this time of day well.
His slightly wavy or somewhat disheveled hair also looked natural. He definitely had a good sense for such things.
Come to think of it, having only seen him drunk and causing trouble, Jaehyuk hadn’t noticed, but looking at him now, his appearance was quite good.
With his moderately slim, muscular build, he looked stylish in clothes, and when quiet with his mouth shut, he had a certain aura.
This would be sufficient to create the right image.
While not strikingly handsome, he had a clean, innocent face with a strangely calm and cool demeanor.
Of course, it was his personality that was the issue, overshadowing his appearance.
“Oh? Hyung-nim… I mean, Jaehyuk-hyung.”
Raising his hand, Junghyun quickly corrected himself from “hyung-nim” to “hyung.” Impressed by that quick response, Jaehyuk strode toward Junghyun.
Making sure the reporters hiding in the opposite building and the café next door could see, he approached with the gaze of a man clearly in love.
Seeing that loving look, Junghyun also smiled brightly and moved to his side, wrapping an arm around his waist.
Though momentarily surprised by that natural gesture, Jaehyuk immediately responded with a smile that reached his eyes.
They really were in sync.
As annoying as it was, they truly worked well together.
“You’re good at this, as expected.”
Speaking with a slightly mocking tone while pulling Junghyun’s shoulder closer, Junghyun comfortably leaned against him.
“These days, paparazzi shots are basic for product promotion. I need to approve promotional social media content, so I know the best angles.”
Only then did Jaehyuk remember that Junghyun worked in viral marketing at a PR agency. Come to think of it, his profession was perfectly optimized for this kind of work.
“What’s with the sunglasses? Sponsorship?”
“Why would I do that when they don’t even pay? I can’t hide my expressions when someone talks nonsense in front of me. I tend to curse with my eyes, so I’m trying to cover them.”
With just the corners of his lips curled up in a smile, Junghyun muttered almost like a ventriloquist. When he looked up at Jaehyuk, Jaehyuk pulled Junghyun’s shoulder firmly and whispered in his ear.
“You’re definitely good at self-awareness. Honestly, it’s impressive.”
“This is nothing. You’ll have plenty more to be impressed by.”
The two, still pressed close as if displaying affection, walked side by side through the café toward the outdoor tables.
Author: Hyacinthus B
Hyacinthus
