“Ha-yoon.”
“Gah…!”
Kim Min-seok flinched at the sudden voice from behind as he waited for the elevator. He turned around to find Ha Jun-seo smiling brightly.
“Ha Jun-seo? Didn’t you go home?”
“Ah, I did. But no matter how much I thought about it, I couldn’t shake the feeling that you looked unwell. So I was heading back to check on you. And here we are. Were you out somewhere?”
“Oh, uh… yeah. Just went to the convenience store for a bit.”
Kim Min-seok lifted the plastic bag in his hand as he spoke.
“I thought it’d be good to have some beer on hand.”
Inside the bag were a few cans of beer. He had bought them because the stress made him crave alcohol, and thankfully, it provided the perfect excuse.
Did he see me using the ATM?
Kim Min-seok carefully studied Ha Jun-seo’s expression, his heart pounding in his chest. If he had been caught, it would be a disaster. Fortunately, there was no sign of suspicion on Ha Jun-seo’s face. He simply took the bag, saying it looked heavy.
His heart raced all the way up the elevator and into his apartment. But since Ha Jun-seo didn’t seem to notice anything unusual, he gradually started to relax. By the time they arrived home, he felt somewhat calmer. He had sent the money to Seo Chang-seop, so at least for now, things should be quiet.
“You weren’t planning to start drinking already, were you?”
Ha Jun-seo asked as he pulled a beer can from the bag and placed it in the fridge.
Honestly, that had been the plan. His head was a mess, his emotions even worse. He had intended to drink a few cans and pass out. But he couldn’t admit that in front of Ha Jun-seo.
“I just wanted to go out for some fresh air and figured I’d pick some up while I was at it.”
Kim Min-seok lied as smoothly as possible, keeping his voice even. Ha Jun-seo nodded, accepting the answer, and put the rest of the beer in the fridge.
“Let me take a good look at you. Your face was so pale earlier that it actually scared me.”
Ha Jun-seo stepped closer and tilted Kim Min-seok’s chin up to examine him.
Kim Min-seok worried his face might betray his nervousness. But before he could react, Ha Jun-seo suddenly kissed him on the lips with a quick peck.
Completely caught off guard, Kim Min-seok’s tension melted away, replaced by irritation. He shot Ha Jun-seo a glare.
“What the hell? Out of nowhere?”
“If you’re standing still and leaving your face in my hands like that, isn’t that basically asking for a kiss?”
“No, it’s not.”
“Oh, my mistake then. What should we do? Want me to take it back?”
Ha Jun-seo grinned mischievously, already leaning in as if he was about to kiss him again.
Something about his usual carefree attitude made Kim Min-seok feel strangely at ease. It must have shown on his face.
Ha Jun-seo must have noticed the change in his expression because he smiled.
“There we go. You’re back to your usual face. Are you sure you don’t want to tell me why you looked so down earlier?”
“There’s nothing to tell.”
“Hmm… Ha-yoon was really good at hiding his feelings, but you, Min-seok, you don’t even try. You wear everything on your face. You’re ridiculously easy to read.”
“Is that a compliment or an insult?”
“Hmm… what do you think?”
Ha Jun-seo’s voice carried a teasing tone.
Kim Min-seok felt comfortable. Bickering like this, exchanging lighthearted words—it was nice. If Seo Chang-seop carried out his threats, he might never get moments like this again.
The thought of being alone had completely disappeared. Just having Ha Jun-seo by his side made him feel at ease, secure. He wanted more of this—of him. No one had ever given him this kind of warmth before. And now that he had it, he never wanted to let it go.
“Uh-oh. That face again. Why do you suddenly look so down? What’s wrong? Won’t you tell me?” Ha Jun-seo asked gently.
“It’s just… I really like this moment.”
“If you like it, then why the sad face?”
“Because that’s how life is, isn’t it? When you have good moments, bad ones always follow… and when bad times come, good times will too. It’s a cycle. I like this moment, which means a bad one is probably coming soon. That’s why I feel a little sad.”
Kim Min-seok knew that the ten million won he had sent Seo Chang-seop wouldn’t last long. Addicts were like that. Even if they got their hands on money, they would burn through it in no time. And Seo Chang-seop had a perfect blackmail card. It wouldn’t be long before he came demanding more. How many days would he have left before that happened?
“Why are you suddenly thinking about something so depressing?”
“I don’t know. It just crossed my mind.”
Kim Min-seok lied, his voice subdued.
And he thought to himself—more than anything, he didn’t want them to know. No matter what, no matter if the entire world found out, he never wanted these two men—Ha Jun-seo and Choi Sang-hyuk—to learn the truth.
“Hmm… I need to cheer you up, then. But what should I do? How about we go shopping? I’ll buy you a nice watch.”
“I already saw a bunch of watches in the dressing room. And besides, how are you going to walk around a department store with that face?”
“Oh… right.”
Ha Jun-seo finally remembered, touching his bruised cheek. What had been a deep blue yesterday had now darkened into a pitch-black mark.
“Then what should we do…? What do you usually do for fun, Min-seok?”
“Me? I just… used to go back to my goshiwon after work, watch variety shows or videos on my phone, and fall asleep.”
“You like variety shows?”
“They’re fun, and they pass the time.”
“Then let’s watch some together.”
Ha Jun-seo walked over to the sofa and plopped down, then patted the seat beside him. He picked up the remote and started flipping through channels. After a few tries, he landed on a popular variety show. Putting the remote down, he reached for Kim Min-seok’s shoulder and guided him to rest his head on his thigh.
“Comfortable?”
Ha Jun-seo asked. Kim Min-seok shifted around a bit to find a better position, then gave a small nod. Ha Jun-seo’s thigh, unexpectedly firm with muscle, provided a surprisingly stable pillow. There was practically nothing flawed about this man—well, except for his sexual preferences.
As expected from a variety show, the TV screen was filled with constant laughter. At first, Kim Min-seok couldn’t focus, his mind still wandering, but eventually, he found himself smiling along. Ha Jun-seo also laughed at the right moments, and for the first time, Kim Min-seok realized how enjoyable it was to simply sit and watch TV with someone, laughing together.
As the tension from Seo Chang-seop’s threats gradually faded, exhaustion crept in. He tried to keep his eyes fixed on the screen, but his eyelids kept growing heavier. Amidst it all, he could still hear Ha Jun-seo chuckling from time to time. The warmth of his thigh beneath him, his soft scent, and the soothing sound of his laughter lulled Kim Min-seok further into relaxation.
Eventually, with a sense of peace he hadn’t felt in a long time, he drifted off into sleep.
***
“Your legs aren’t numb?”
Ha Jun-seo asked as he brought out some snacks and drinks.
Seo Ha-yoon shook his head while absentmindedly stroking Cheol and Soon, who had stubbornly climbed onto his lap. His legs were definitely tingling, but he had no intention of pushing away the two purring cats that had cozily curled up on his already cramped knees.
“I’m the one who feeds them, gives them treats, and cleans their litter box, but they only love you. I’m dying of jealousy here. What are you going to do about it?”
“Jealous over cats? How do you even survive like that? Come here, I’ll kiss you.”
Seo Ha-yoon grabbed Ha Jun-seo by the collar and pulled him in. Ha Jun-seo let himself be drawn forward, their lips meeting in a soft kiss.
As the two cats purred beside them, their kiss deepened, slow and sweet. When they finally parted, Ha Jun-seo absentmindedly ran his fingers along Seo Ha-yoon’s wrist, his voice curious.
“You’re not wearing the watch I gave you.”
“Oh, that? I wore it a few times and got bored of it, so I sold it.”
Seo Ha-yoon didn’t even blink as he spoke, completely unfazed.
“Just buy me a new one instead. I already picked out something I want.”
Ha Jun-seo’s eyes narrowed slightly, but the smile on his lips never wavered. Since he didn’t reply right away, Seo Ha-yoon shoved him lightly in the chest.
“Forget it if you don’t want to. I’ll just ask someone else. There are plenty of people who’d love to give me presents.”
At his sulky tone, Ha Jun-seo immediately leaned back in, gently cupping Seo Ha-yoon’s cheek.
“Why would you say something so heartbreaking? When did I ever say I wouldn’t buy you one? If Ha-yoon wants it, of course, I’ll get it for you.”
“Really?”
“Of course. When do you want to go shopping? Should we go now?”
“Let’s go inside,” Ha Jun-seo suggested gently. Seo Ha-yoon was still cradling the cats, Cheol and Soon, stroking them softly before shaking his head.
“Not today, maybe another time,” Seo Ha-yoon replied.
“Alright, Ha-yoon,” Ha Jun-seo called, his voice tender. He took Seo Ha-yoon’s hand, which had been petting the cats, and placed it on his own crotch. It was clearly erect.
“Should we go to the room? I’ll make you feel really good today,” Ha Jun-seo whispered seductively.
“Hmm…” Seo Ha-yoon hesitated, his gaze still fixed on the cats sleeping on his lap. He seemed reluctant to disturb them. Ha Jun-seo gently moved the cats off Seo Ha-yoon’s lap, despite their protests. They eventually jumped down, unable to resist.
“Why wake them when they’re sleeping so peacefully?” Seo Ha-yoon grumbled, stroking one of the cat’s heads as it looked up at him with wide, curious eyes. A small smile played on Seo Ha-yoon’s lips.
“Come on, let’s go inside,” Ha Jun-seo urged, taking Seo Ha-yoon’s hand and leading him toward the bedroom. Seo Ha-yoon followed, feigning reluctance, and stood up. Ha Jun-seo pulled Seo Ha-yoon close, kissing him as they moved toward the door. Seo Ha-yoon’s arms wrapped around Ha Jun-seo’s neck, and they entered the room, still locked in their embrace.
In the blink of an eye, the scene changed.
The room was old and shabby. The wallpaper was yellowed with age, and the bedding was faded and worn. Seo Ha-yoon lay sprawled on the bed, his eyes glazed over.
Click, click.
The sound of a camera shutter filled the air. Seo Ha-yoon looked up to see Seo Chang-seop standing there, naked, his erection prominent. He had been taking photos and placed an old flip phone nearby, grinning wickedly as he approached. He stroked Seo Ha-yoon’s hair gently.
“My good little Ha-yoon. Ready to take Daddy’s cock again?”
“N… No…” Seo Ha-yoon’s voice was slurred, his body clearly not in a normal state. He must have been drugged.
“My dear Ha-yoon. My little whore.”
Seo Chang-seop spread Seo Ha-yoon’s legs and positioned himself between them, pushing his erection inside.
“Ah!” Seo Ha-yoon writhed in discomfort, but Seo Chang-seop paid no mind, beginning to thrust his hips vigorously.
“Fuck, Ha-yoon’s hole is so tight and delicious. You’re even better than your mother. Daddy loves fucking you, you know that? Right?” Seo Chang-seop grunted, never stopping his relentless pace. Tears streamed down Seo Ha-yoon’s face, rolling off to the side.
