Side Story 2. Ha Jun-seo
Ha-yoon’s eyes snapped open early in the morning. Checking the clock, he saw that it was exactly one minute before the alarm was set to go off. Perhaps it was the habit of going to work every day, but even on his day off, he woke up at the same time. Turning off the alarm, Seo Ha-yoon stretched his arms out wide. He twisted his body this way and that, stretching for a while before suddenly sitting up.
The date displayed on his phone screen caught his attention. Today was Ha Jun-seo’s birthday. He had already promised what kind of gift he would give this year, so today was important not only for Ha Jun-seo but also for himself. He had been so anxious about it that he barely slept, tossing and turning all night. He even regretted making such a promise in the first place. But it was too late now. The only thing left was to go through with it.
Ha-yoon headed straight to the bathroom and turned on the shower. After washing his face and brushing his teeth, he carefully began to cleanse his entire body. No matter what kind of play Ha Jun-seo had in mind, it was obvious he would end up completely naked. Just imagining what was prepared made him gulp dryly.
He meticulously washed every inch of himself before finally stepping out of the shower. Standing in front of the mirror, he applied a generous amount of lotion to his skin and thoroughly dried his hair with a blow dryer. His hair was naturally nice, so even a simple drying left it looking great.
The reflection in the mirror no longer felt unfamiliar. The consistent hypnotherapy seemed to be working. Or perhaps it wasn’t just the therapy—maybe he had simply gotten used to living as Seo Ha-yoon over time.
Ha-yoon entered his dressing room and carefully selected his outfit. Since today was Jun-seo’s birthday, he decided to wear only the clothes he had received from him. He tried on and took off different pants and shirts, switching out accessories and watches multiple times. By the time he settled on a final look, even he had to admit he looked quite presentable.
After completing his outfit check, he pulled out the present he had purchased over the weekend. He had hidden it deep in his closet to ensure Jun-seo wouldn’t accidentally stumble upon it if he suddenly dropped by. Inside the shopping bag was a luxuriously wrapped box. He had saved up several months’ worth of salary to buy it. Even if he had given Jun-seo a simple gift worth just a few ten thousand won, he knew he would have still been delighted. But wasn’t spending money also a way to show the depth of one’s feelings? He wanted to give Jun-seo the best present he could afford.
Finally, he took out the cake he had bought the day before from the fridge. Holding both the cake and the special gift, he stepped out of his apartment. He couldn’t help but hum a little tune as he walked. He was eager to see Jun-seo’s touched expression.
The way to Jun-seo’s place was simple. All he had to do was take the elevator down to the first floor, then switch to the elevator in the adjacent building.
Standing in front of the door, Ha-yoon took a deep breath before extending his finger to press the doorbell.
Ding-dong—.
The door swung open almost immediately, as if he had been waiting. As Ha-yoon stepped inside, he was greeted by Ha Jun-seo’s smiling face, already neatly dressed.
“Welcome. You came early, just as I told you.”
Jun-seo greeted him warmly. The moment Ha-yoon entered, the rich aroma of freshly baked bread filled the air.
“This is the cake…”
Seo Ha-yoon held out the cake box while stealthily hiding the shopping bag with the present behind his back. Ha Jun-seo flashed a sweet smile as he accepted the cake and placed it in the fridge. Taking advantage of the moment, Ha-yoon quickly set the shopping bag down in the corner by the entrance before stepping fully inside.
The dining table was already set with breakfast. Croffles made fresh with a waffle maker, whipped cream, and a warm Americano. It was exactly what Ha-yoon liked—he preferred light breakfasts with bread. Lately, he had been completely obsessed with croffles, and Jun-seo had even bought a waffle maker just to make them for him every day.
“Oh, croffles? They smell amazing.”
Ha-yoon beamed as he sat down in the chair Jun-seo pulled out for him.
Jun-seo poured a steaming Americano into Ha-yoon’s cup, then filled his own before taking a seat across from him.
“Eat up,” Jun-seo urged.
“Thanks for the meal.”
Ha-yoon picked up a croffle generously topped with whipped cream and took a big bite. The sweetness of the cream smeared all over his lips as he chewed, savoring the taste. A sip of the hot Americano in between bites made it even better. Across from him, Jun-seo used a fork and knife to neatly cut his croffle into small pieces before eating. He looked so elegant doing it that Ha-yoon found himself staring, mesmerized.
As Ha-yoon took another bite, chewing contentedly, Jun-seo suddenly reached out and swiped his thumb over the whipped cream on his lips. Then, without hesitation, he licked it off his own thumb. His eyes crinkled into a teasing smile—so enticing it was almost sinful. There was no doubt about it. He was deliberately trying to seduce him.
Not now, Ha-yoon thought, quickly averting his gaze and pretending to sip his coffee.
As breakfast wrapped up, Ha-yoon started feeling a little nervous. Once they cleared the table, Jun-seo would probably drag him straight into the bedroom. But to his surprise, that didn’t happen.
Instead, Jun-seo casually tidied up the table before leading Ha-yoon to the living room sofa. He then returned with freshly sliced fruit and, without saying much, sat at the piano.
He began playing a series of pieces he had been preparing.
Bathed in the golden sunlight streaming through the window, Jun-seo at the piano was like a scene straight out of a painting. The light caught in his soft, light brown hair, making it glow, while his pale, delicate hands danced over the keys like fluttering butterflies. The entire moment felt almost magical.
“What do you think?” Jun-seo asked.
Lately, he had been dedicating a lot of time to practicing for an upcoming performance. To Ha-yoon, who was completely unfamiliar with classical music, every piece sounded beautiful and impressive.
“It’s great. I love it,” Ha-yoon replied enthusiastically, clapping his hands in admiration.
Jun-seo chuckled before rising from the piano bench and walking toward him.
Is this it? Are we going to the bedroom now?
Ha-yoon tensed slightly, bracing himself. But to his surprise, Jun-seo simply sat down beside him on the couch and turned on the TV.
The television, unless there was a special occasion, was almost always set to an entertainment channel. A rerun of a variety show began playing.
Jun-seo slouched down, resting his head on Ha-yoon’s shoulder before wrapping an arm around his waist. With a deep sigh, he exhaled slowly.
“What’s wrong? Are you tired?”
Noticing the weight in that sigh, Ha-yoon carefully asked.
“Just… maybe it’s because it’s been a while since my last performance. My hands aren’t moving the way I want them to. I guess I’ve been slacking off in my practice.”
It was the first time Ha Jun-seo had ever voiced such vulnerability. Seo Ha-yoon found himself surprised—he had never imagined Jun-seo feeling discouraged like this. Without hesitation, he lifted his other arm and pulled him into a tight embrace.
“I’ve never heard you say something like that before, Jun-seo.”
“Why? Does it sound weird coming from me?”
“Hmm… a little? I mean, it’s just my first time seeing you like this. I always thought of you as confident and flawless.”
Ha-yoon reflected on the Jun-seo he had always known—gentle yet unwavering, soft yet unshakable. No matter what moment he recalled, there wasn’t a single flaw to be found. He had never once seen him show any weakness.
“So… are you disappointed?” Jun-seo asked.
Ha-yoon immediately shook his head.
“Of course not. It’s just… I guess I never realized you had this side to you. I just wish I could do something to help. You’re always the one doing things for me, and all I ever do is receive. I want to do something for you, too.”
His words were filled with sincerity. Jun-seo let out a soft sigh, then smiled.
“Is that why you brought me a present?”
“…You saw?”
“You walked in holding it in your hand. How could I not?”
Ha-yoon let out an awkward laugh. Then, pushing Jun-seo away slightly, he stood up and walked to the entrance. He retrieved the shopping bag he had hidden there and returned to his seat, placing it in front of Jun-seo.
Jun-seo’s eyes sparkled with curiosity.
“I was originally going to light the candles on the cake, sing for you, and then give it to you… but since you already saw it, I might as well give it to you now. Happy birthday, Jun-seo.”
“Thanks, Ha-yoon. Did you pick it out yourself?”
“Of course. I spent hours wandering around the stores, agonizing over what to get.”
Ha-yoon recalled how he had spent hours aimlessly walking around department store shops, struggling to make a decision. Who knew picking out a gift for someone could be this difficult?
“Can I open it?” Jun-seo asked.
Ha-yoon nodded and handed him the shopping bag. Jun-seo took it and carefully pulled out its contents. A small, elegantly wrapped box emerged.
With deliberate care, Jun-seo hesitated as he started to untie the ribbon, almost as if he didn’t want to ruin the wrapping.
“Just rip it open. That’s how gifts are meant to be opened,” Ha-yoon said with a laugh.
Jun-seo chuckled, then decisively tore through the wrapping. As the packaging fell away, a watch box was revealed.
