“Hyung… So while you’re at it—”
“No.”
“Come on, I wasn’t even going to—”
“I said no.”
“At least let me finish—!”
“You want me to kick you out?”
Euntae knew he was in no position to push—Yeojun held all the power here. But he couldn’t help himself. He settled for stealing another kiss, hands wandering boldly until Yeojun finally stopped him.
Still, it was good. Not exactly what he’d hoped for, but still—he was here, with Yeojun. And that made it a good end to the day.
***
“How was the reading?”
While Yeojun was in the shower, Euntae set up a simple drinking spread on the table. Snacks and nuts Euntae didn’t even know they had appeared as side dishes, and the beer in front of Yeojun was one he’d bought recently. Yeojun’s throat had been parched, so as soon as he sat down, he cracked open the can and took a few swigs before answering Euntae’s question.
“So-so.”
“Just ‘so-so’? Come on, give me more.”
Euntae latched onto the vague reply, pressing for details. Yeojun hesitated, then looked at him. Euntae, now seated across from him, held his gaze, clearly expecting an answer. Yeojun was the first to look away.
“You expecting something special?”
There was a hint of irritation in his voice. It wasn’t that Euntae’s concern bothered him—it was just the predictability of it all. Even if he worked hard, his role was small. He wasn’t neglecting it, but it wasn’t exactly demanding. The director and writer had given him extra coaching since it was an important part, but that was it. He wasn’t complaining—just tired of the same old routine.
“Still, this role is important. I should’ve gone with you.”
“What would that change? The writer give me an extra line?”
“Pfft. Like they’d give just one. I could’ve gotten you ten. I’m great at flattery.”
Where did that confidence even come from? Euntae always seemed so sure of himself, like he had an endless well of self-assurance. He never bragged, but it radiated from everything he did. Maybe that was what drew people to him—like he’d been born shining, effortlessly magnetic.
“Be honest.”
“About what?”
“You’re not twenty-six. You’re thirty-six, right?”
Euntae’s shamelessness was next-level. Yeojun laughed—like it was actually true. Then he casually took a sip of beer.
“Then… how about you call me ‘hyung,’ Yeojun?”
“You want me to throw you out?”
“Sorry.”
“You want a slap?”
“I’m sorry.”
“Keep talking back?”
“I won’t do it again.”
He always pushed his luck, even when he knew he’d lose. Yeojun didn’t mind the teasing—it was almost cute, like a puppy wagging its tail. Though unlike most puppies, Euntae’s idea of affection was tackling people head-on. Still, it had its own charm.
“Mind your own business and take care of yourself.”
“I’m doing just fine.”
Yeojun had tried to shut him down, but Euntae’s retort left him speechless. It was true—Euntae was better at his job than anyone, which was why he was one of the company’s most popular road managers, despite being low-ranking. Yeojun hated to admit it, but it was undeniable. And Euntae knew it, which made it even more annoying.
“Then why act like this? Are we strangers?”
“So we’re family?”
“Somewhere between family and not-family. A weird in-between.”
It was vague, but not entirely wrong. Euntae was affectionate toward Yeojun, and Yeojun gave him more attention than others. But they weren’t that close—not yet. Things had shifted since that night Euntae had touched him intimately, but it was still just the beginning. And Yeojun, lacking mind-reading abilities, couldn’t guess at the storm brewing inside Euntae. Or maybe he did and was just pretending not to.
“You’ve got a real talent for beating around the bush.”
“No, I’m just an asshole.”
“Ask anyone at work. There’s no one as slick as you.”
“Hyung, social personality and private personality are different. Being nice at work doesn’t mean I’m nice in private.”
The playful tone vanished. The air between them grew heavy. Yeojun seemed to have something on the tip of his tongue, but he held back. Euntae waited, as if he already knew what Yeojun wanted to say.
“Then… Why do you act like this with me?”
Yeojun finally blurted it out. Euntae didn’t answer.
Author: Hyacinthus B
Hyacinthus
