With a bright white mask pack covering his face, Haram had been comfortably lying on the bed when he suddenly shot up.
“Peanuts…”
The forgotten peanuts began flooding his mind. He could just picture them pathetically planted in the field, waiting desperately to be harvested.
I really need to take care of those seedlings soon. They weren’t even peanuts he’d planted himself, but he couldn’t bring himself to ignore them. I should probably head down to the countryside… Maybe just go for a day and come right back?
“…Coming back like that would be ridiculous.”
Muttering to himself, Haram let out a dry laugh and collapsed back onto the plush bed. That house in the countryside wasn’t some hobby farm—it was his actual home. Yet here he was, treating Tae-yi’s place like his own. But Tae-yi had said it was dangerous for him to be alone. Still, he didn’t want to get wrapped up in more complicated situations.
Stuck in thought, Haram turned his back to the sun pouring in through the window. He didn’t want to show anyone his half-tanned face again, the kind that made it impossible to de-transform into human form. Today, he was determined to talk things out properly.
He’d even practiced putting on a serious face. It felt a bit over the top, sure—but if he didn’t prepare thoroughly, he’d fall right into Kang Tae-yi’s smooth traps. If he let his guard down for even a second, he’d either end up with his pants off or his tongue tangled up in Tae-yi’s again.
And there was one thing he’d realized just yesterday: Kang Tae-yi was the kind of man who went even more off the rails when things didn’t go his way. Pushing his buttons would only backfire on Haram.
“No way. Absolutely not.”
Slap, slap!
Haram gave his cheeks a firm smack through the mask pack, trying to snap himself out of it. He sat up, peeled the mask from his face, and tossed it aside.
Since arriving in Seoul, he hadn’t once left the house. Tae-yi had only said it was dangerous right now and that they should stay together—he hadn’t said Haram couldn’t go out. Still, Haram hadn’t felt any urge to leave. It felt absurd even to himself, lying calmly with a face mask on like some pampered house pet, when just a few days ago he’d been scaling the wall and gliding away in a panic.
Deciding to at least go out for a short walk, Haram got dressed, grabbed his phone, and headed for the front door.
“Huh…?”
The door, which should’ve swung wide open, only opened halfway before something blocked it. Poking his head out, he froze at the sight of several hulking men standing just outside—and then quickly slammed the door shut with a thud. Realizing how foolish that looked, he cautiously reopened it.
This time, all the large men were bowing politely toward him. Caught off guard, Haram began to close the door again—then hesitated and gave a small bow in return.
“Ah, hello.”
“We’re here to escort you.”
Glancing nervously at the suited giants, Haram recognized some familiar faces and sheepishly stepped outside. They looked like the same men who had been stationed in front of his countryside home.
“I was just going for a little walk around the neighborhood… You don’t have to follow me.”
Because two men stood directly in front of him, he couldn’t see everyone, but it looked like there were at least five in total. Swallowing dryly, Haram tried to slip past them, but the man in front spoke up.
“The Director ordered us to accompany you whenever you leave the house. We don’t have a choice.”
Stiffening at the gravelly voice, Haram answered in a faint mumble.
“I-I’m just walking right around here… I swear…”
Even to himself, the words sounded completely unconvincing—especially considering how he’d claimed he was heading to the peanut field the last time, only to come to Seoul instead. The men all ignored his protests and kept repeating that they had no choice.
“We’ll stay behind you and make sure not to bother you.”
“Okay…”
Nodding reluctantly at the man’s words, Haram ended up leading a five-man entourage on a walk. Clutching his silvery-gray tail to his chest like a shield, he walked with a stiff, anxious gait.
The last time he’d wandered the village alone, he’d been nervous—but it had ended up being such a pleasant memory. He’d expected something similar today, but instead, he felt like he was being chased down by loan sharks.
With every step he took, the sound of multiple leather shoes followed closely behind. His ears twitched with irritation, and after walking a few paces, Haram let out a long sigh and grumbled under his breath. Not that he had the guts to actually turn around and complain—he just stuck his lips out in a pout.
Would it have been easier if Tae-yi were with me? If he had been, it probably wouldn’t have mattered if five or even fifteen people were trailing behind.
Looking down at the pristine asphalt, spotless and clean, Haram trudged along as if he were being punished. Then suddenly, he stopped dead in his tracks.
This is weird. No matter what he thought about these days, everything seemed to lead back to Tae-yi. There wasn’t a single corner of his life that Tae-yi wasn’t tangled up in.
Enough with the pervert already. I need to focus on surviving.
He recalled how he’d drained his bank account earlier this year to pay off debts. Back then, he hadn’t expected the peanut harvest to completely fail.
What the hell am I supposed to live on until next year’s harvest? Not that he was even sure he’d be able to farm again. Could Tae-yi really pull out of the resort project?
It wasn’t that he didn’t trust Tae-yi, but it’s not like he worshipped the man like a god either. The guy had lied to him enough times already.
If the resort project goes ahead anyway… What happens then? Would he really have to sell the land, the house, and move somewhere else?
He knew better now—just digging his heels in and shouting No! wouldn’t stop things from happening.
With a heavy sigh, Haram wandered aimlessly until he realized he’d reached the main road. He quickly turned back.
“Haha…”
The moment he turned around, he locked eyes with one of the burly men, and gave an awkward chuckle before trudging back toward the mansion. He needed to get back and prepare that serious expression he’d practiced, so he could finally talk to Tae-yi.
Lost in thought as he walked, his phone started to vibrate in his pocket. Without even checking the screen, Haram knew exactly who it was and picked up quickly.
“What?”
—Aren’t you hot? What if your face gets tanned again?
A quiet chuckle came from the other end, and Haram snapped back in irritation.
“Mind your own business…!”
How the hell did he always know when Haram stepped outside? It was like he was being watched constantly. Feeling weirdly self-conscious, Haram glanced around—and locked eyes with one of the big guys trailing behind him. He jerked his head forward stiffly and stared straight ahead.
—Let’s eat out tonight. No need to cook.
“I-I wasn’t planning to anyway…”
Haram had actually been thinking about dinner earlier while lying down with the mask on, and now he felt kind of embarrassed about it.
“I was just gonna make something for myself, that’s all.”
Adding a clumsy excuse, Haram held his breath, waiting for Tae-yi’s response. As expected, Tae-yi’s soft laughter came through the phone again.
—Yeah? Then let me treat you to dinner, as thanks for all the meals you’ve cooked me. Just wait for me.
“…Okay.”
The answer slipped out before Haram could stop himself. He snapped back to his senses only after ending the call.
Why the hell am I going out to eat with this pervert? It’s practically a date! We’re not anything anymore—technically, we’re enemies.
Kang Tae-yi was a twisted bastard who had used lies to manipulate his own lifesaver. And Haram? He was just a gullible little Sky Squirrel who’d fallen for that conniving creep’s tricks.
Finally, he had a clear definition of their relationship. That’s all there was between them—and things had gotten way too soft lately. It was all because Kang Tae-yi had made him lose his damn mind.
Gritting his teeth, Haram steeled himself by remembering the resolve he’d had when he first came to Seoul to confront Tae-yi.
***
“Did I mess up again?”
As soon as he returned from work and locked eyes with Haram’s sharp glare, Tae-yi cautiously asked. He knew he couldn’t afford to mess up with Da Haram anymore.
“You’re really pulling out of the resort project, right? It’s definitely happening? You said you’d take responsibility.”
The moment Tae-yi asked, Haram pounced on the chance, his voice biting, fists clenched tight.
“Yeah. I promised, didn’t I? I’ll take full responsibility and shut it down. The results will be out soon.”
Tae-yi remained calm and unbothered, and at his composed reply, the fire in Haram’s eyes gradually softened. His narrowed glare relaxed back into its usual round shape. Tae-yi, holding back a smile, lowered his head slightly to meet Haram’s gaze and asked:
“What’s with the sudden inquisition? Did someone say something to you?”
The concern in his voice made Haram quickly shake his head.
He had plenty to be anxious about—their tangled relationship, the failed harvest, worries about making ends meet. But if he had to pick just one, it was undoubtedly the massive resort development. It was something he didn’t understand, and that made it even more terrifying.
“…You really do want me to be safe, don’t you?”
His voice trembled with unease, and Tae-yi furrowed his brow as he nodded firmly.
“Of course I do.”
Seeing Tae-yi answer without hesitation, Haram continued quietly.
“Once I’m safe… I’m going back home. Even so… you’ll still help me—pull out of the resort plan and make sure I’m safe?”
