“Yeah, back then I honestly thought Seongji was trying to kill Jae-ha.”
“For real. Like she had some kind of vendetta.”
The murmuring crowd made Seongji flustered. She frantically waved her hands.
“Ah, I was really drunk that time.”
“So if you’re drunk, that makes it okay to use the person you like as a puke bucket?”
“That makes it okay?”
The chorus came out perfectly in sync. Calling someone a puke bucket? That was going too far. Jae-ha cut in, his tone dry.
“I’m done being used like that. From now on, I’m quitting drinking.”
“Ah, hyung, we were just joking.”
“What’s the fun of drinking without Seo Jae?”
“Oppa, you didn’t really mean that, did you?”
Just as people tried to stop him, Hae-hyun suddenly snapped his head up.
“What the—?”
“Juju, what’s wrong?”
All eyes turned toward him. But Hae-hyun just sniffed the air, then shoved his muzzle right at Seongji, who was sitting beside Jae-ha.
What the hell is this guy doing? Jae-ha tried pulling him back, but the strength in that body didn’t budge an inch. Like a predator, Hae-hyun studied Seongji, bared his teeth, and growled.
“Juju just got mad out of nowhere.
“Seongji noona, did you light some kind of dog-repelling incense?”
“What? That’s a thing? No! I even raise a dog at home!”
Panicking, Seongji kept glancing at Jae-ha. Having a massive dog bearing down on her was clearly terrifying. Seriously, why’s this bastard acting so much like an actual dog? At this point, people might forget Ju Hae-hyun was even human.
“Come here.”
Scolding him, Jae-ha forced him into a hug. Hae-hyun twisted hard, trying to break free. As if Jae-ha would let go. Clicking his tongue, he tightened his grip until the half-risen “dog” slumped against his shoulder, panting.
“Do you have any idea what I’m gonna say to you when we get home?”
Jae-ha muttered low. Hae-hyun flinched instantly and went still.
“Stay put while I’m letting you off.”
The whisper was so close only Hae-hyun could hear it. Jae-ha’s hand brushed over his nape, gentle in touch but not in meaning.
After hesitating, the dog whimpered and buried himself into Jae-ha’s chest. The sudden switch in behavior drew gasps of admiration.
“Juju really loves Jae-ha hyung.”
“Totally. He probably only growls at us ‘cause he wants to make sure Jae-ha oppa keeps doting on him.”
“Wait, then the way he went at Seongji unnie too—?”
Mischievous glances flicked between Seongji and Jae-ha. The same old topic reared its head yet again.
“Damn, the jealousy’s real. Juju, did you know Seongji confessed to Jae-ha?”
Seongji, still rattled from the rabid-dog act, quickly put on a sweet smile.
“Still, I got rejected flat-out, so let it slide, okay?”
For crying out loud. The dog understands every word. Feeling the body in his arms suddenly freeze, Jae-ha frowned without meaning to.
“Can we not bring that up anymore?”
His words dropped heavy, and silence followed. It was the first time Jae-ha had ever reacted instead of brushing it off. People scrambled to cover the awkwardness.
“Oh—sorry. Did we upset you?”
“I was just kidding… I didn’t realize it bothered you, hyung.”
“We won’t do it again. Sorry.”
He hadn’t wanted everyone groveling, but what was he supposed to say—that the guy in a dog’s skin would throw a fit otherwise? So he waved it off.
“No, it’s just… it’s such an old story. Probably uncomfortable for Seongji too.”
“No, oppa. I’m really fine.”
Startled, Seongji insisted she was fine. He knew she was, but he couldn’t say it. Since Jae-ha didn’t add more, people muttered among themselves and decided to drop it.
“Yeah, we really milked that one dry.”
“Seongji, just find a new guy. Want me to set you up? I’ll find you someone amazing.”
“But if the standard is Seo Jae, that’s rough. Cheong-hee unnie, got any guys like that?”
“You brat. You think I don’t?”
“No, I was actually about to ask you to introduce me.”
At Ji-hyang’s cheek, Jae-ha tossed a line.
“Didn’t you say you were dating the library?”
“Noona, if your ideal type was between me and the library, who would you pick?”
“Wow, what a brutal balance game.”
Ji-hyang looked genuinely serious. Jae-ha shook his head.
“The fact you’re even hesitating means it’s already over.”
“Wanna die?”
Cheong-hee, who’d overheard, pretended to scribble on her palm and muttered.
“Ji-hyang… dating… the library….”
“Unnie!”
Even those pretending not to watch Jae-ha laughed. Finally, the mood eased.
“Noona, are you ever gonna date like this?”
“Sounds more like she’s just gonna stay single.”
“You little punks… introduce someone first before you talk!”
Jae-ha drained the last of his soju and leaned back. Supporting Hae-hyun’s back with one arm and bracing himself with the other, he let the heavy “dog” press into him. Tilting his head, he caught the star-filled sky overhead.
“You’re gonna drive me insane….”
Even sighed like a complaint, the dog didn’t flinch—just wagged his tail lazily. Shameless mutt. Still, Jae-ha found himself smiling.
Ever since meeting Hae-hyun, nothing had gone as expected. Tonight had gotten dicey, but it ended well, and maybe that was enough. In a way, it was almost… fun.
Since Jae-ha couldn’t go inside while tending the dog, his friends kept him company on the pavilion all night. He’d planned to lie down once they left, but ended up staying up as well.
By dawn, Hae-hyun finally fell asleep, limp and snoring peacefully. Not exactly fitting for the one who’d caused all the chaos. People noticed, found it cute, and lowered their voices.
Thanks to Min-hee’s arrangements, they even managed to get the oversized dog onto the bus. Even with a heads-up, passengers couldn’t stop sneaking glances.
Beside him, Hae-hyun flipped up the armrest like it was nothing and sprawled across Jae-ha’s thigh, making himself comfortable. Acting like he owned the place. Was this guy’s true form really a dog? Jae-ha yawned at the thought.
So much had happened that the fact he’d lasted without sleep was a miracle. The cushioned seat against his skin melted away his tension instantly.
“Jae-ha o—oh, oppa’s asleep.”
“Seo Jae’s out?”
“He must’ve been really exhausted.”
He vaguely heard the whispers but didn’t have the energy to answer. He was already out cold before the bus even started moving, waking only at arrival.
Someone suggested grabbing food afterward, but when Hae-hyun bared his teeth, the plan was scrapped. Not that Jae-ha had intended to go anyway…. Even when he told the sulky dog that, Hae-hyun just whipped his head away, refusing to believe him.
As soon as they got home, Jae-ha shoved the mutt into the bathroom and tossed him some clothes.
“Wash up and put these on.”
He waited on the sofa. After some rustling and running water, Hae-hyun finally came out in his long-awaited human form.
“Explain yourself.”
Jae-ha tilted his chin. Hae-hyun, shameless as ever, spoke smoothly, like he’d prepared the line.
“I picked up too much residue playing hide-and-seek with the ghosts. Purification was urgent. That’s why I went.”
Smooth talker.
“Then you should’ve just acted like a good dog. Why’d you have to scare everyone? They were shocked.”
At that, Hae-hyun clamped his mouth shut, sulked, and scooted close to sit beside him. A dangerous glint lingered in his eyes.
“Seongji. What’s with her?”
“What about her?”
“She confessed to you, didn’t she?”
His accusatory tone made it sound like she’d mugged him instead. Jae-ha’s brow twitched.
“She did.”
It wasn’t a topic worth bringing up, but it wasn’t something to lie about either. Besides, Hae-hyun had already heard. With that easy admission, Hae-hyun’s face stiffened in shock.
“Really?”
“Yeah.”
“Then why was she sitting next to you?”
“Someone who confessed isn’t allowed to sit next to me?”
At that, Hae-hyun burst out.
“How is that okay? What, do you live in Hollywood or something?”
…So only Americans can do that? Jae-ha gave him a sour look. Without a word spoken, Hae-hyun seemed to catch his thought and reeled.
“Why are you so—so reckless, sunbae?”
