Instinctively, Hye-seong took a bite of the peanut butter dacquoise in front of him. He chewed in silence for a moment, but the bitterness in his mouth refused to fade, and he grimaced again.
“Ugh, it’s still so bitter! Aghh…”
“Oh dear.”
Ji-ho looked positively delighted watching him suffer.
The coffee’s bitterness was so overwhelming it felt like it was scrambling his brain. In desperation, Hye-seong snatched the dacquoise from Ji-ho’s hand and stuffed the whole thing in his mouth.
Once the large piece filled his mouth, the sweet, nutty flavor finally began to chase away the lingering bitterness. He could finally breathe again.
Chewing the dacquoise, his cheeks full, Hye-seong looked up at Ji-ho.
Do you really drink this stuff every day? How? It wasn’t this bitter last time, was it?
His wide, confused eyes asked everything without a word.
“Oh. I should drink mine too.”
Still smiling, Ji-ho poured hot water into the cup Hye-seong had just used.
After letting it cool slightly, he took a slow sip, then looked at Hye-seong again. Every one of his movements was graceful, unhurried.
“…”
“…”
Faced with such shameless composure, Hye-seong stared in blank disbelief, like he’d been struck in the head. Ji-ho burst out laughing at the dumbfounded expression.
“Pfft—Hahaha!”
You’re seriously the worst…
Hye-seong furiously chewed the rest of the dacquoise, his face flushing red and pale in turns. Lately, Ji-ho seemed to have discovered a new hobby in teasing him.
“Sorry for teasing you.”
“…”
“Come here. Let’s make up.”
Ji-ho sat down at the table and patted his thigh.
Though he wanted to resist, Hye-seong quickly gave in and climbed into his lap. When it came to Ji-ho’s guiding, he didn’t know how to say no.
Ji-ho pinched Hye-seong’s cheeks like he was kneading dough, then tousled the crown of his head. Hye-seong simply closed his eyes and let it happen, like he was surrendering everything to him.
And a moment later, Ji-ho bit down on the top of his head.
“Ah!”
Startled more than hurt, Hye-seong flinched and tried to sit up, but Ji-ho’s hand pressed gently on his shoulder to hold him still.
He had never in his life been bitten on the crown of his head before. Flustered, he blinked up at Ji-ho, who only looked puzzled.
“Why, what’s wrong…?”
“I just wanted to bite it once. Is that not allowed?”
“…”
Just moments ago, he’d been so taken aback—but now, faced with Ji-ho’s dead-serious expression as he asked if it was not allowed, Hye-seong found himself wavering. He blinked rapidly.
Apparently, Ji-ho wasn’t just into teasing—he’d developed a thing for biting too. And not just now. He’d spent most of their time in bed biting Hye-seong’s body, especially his neck.
Thinking back on it, Hye-seong carefully tested the waters.
“Still… I don’t like it if it hurts.”
“I won’t make it hurt. Is that okay then?”
“Then… yeah.”
Smiling faintly, Hye-seong nodded. No harm in that.
Having gotten permission, Ji-ho let out a quiet laugh and began massaging his waist with his hands. Then he went back to gently nibbling on his head and ears.
“Mmgh…”
Tensing up, Hye-seong curled inward and twitched with each nip. But when Ji-ho began soothing his back in slow, gentle strokes, he relaxed again and surrendered to his touch.
Even though the guiding efficiency wasn’t perfect, just staying physically close like this had noticeably improved Ji-ho’s condition.
It had been rough getting to this point, but eventually, even for Hye-seong, managing Ji-ho’s condition had become much easier.
Now, it wasn’t like pouring more water into an already full cup would just spill it everywhere—he didn’t lose energy that fast anymore.
Of course, getting physically wrecked at night was still an issue… but aside from that—
“Hye-seong, you always smell good.”
“…R-Really?”
“Yeah, but I can’t figure out where it’s coming from.”
Ji-ho clung to Hye-seong like a contented cat, rubbing his cheek all over him. Hearing the soft, lazy breaths he let out as he idly explored made Hye-seong’s heart race.
Compared to others, Ji-ho’s senses were absurdly sensitive. Terrified he’d hear how loud his heart was, Hye-seong tried to push him off by the shoulder. Ji-ho frowned.
“…What’s wrong?”
“Uh… how’s your headache? Are you okay now?”
“Yeah, I’m fine.”
Even though he was relieved to hear it, Hye-seong bit his lip hard. He’d learned that just because Ji-ho said he was fine didn’t mean he actually was.
“If it only hurts a little, that’s not okay. It has to be gone completely.”
Hye-seong met his eyes with a gaze full of concern. Firm, but clearly overflowing with affection.
Ji-ho’s previously tight lips relaxed into a soft curve. But when no answer came, Hye-seong grew anxious again.
“Why aren’t you answering…”
“It doesn’t hurt at all.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. Strangely enough, it doesn’t hurt at all. Can’t even remember the last time I felt like this.”
Only then did Hye-seong smile in genuine relief.
“That’s so good to hear.”
“If I do feel anything, I’ll tell you right away.”
“Okay.”
“Now that I think about it…”
Ji-ho suddenly frowned, as if a thought had come to him.
“I think this is the first time I’ve realized… this is how other people live.”
“…”
That made Hye-seong blink, then he wrapped his arms around Ji-ho’s neck and pulled him close.
“I’ll make sure you’re never in pain again.”
“…”
“I’ll keep trying. I want to help you however I can.”
Even though he’d called himself Ji-ho’s fan, he’d had no idea just how much pain Ji-ho had been living with until he became his Guide.
He didn’t know if he had the right—but he couldn’t help but feel for him. It made him sorry he’d never noticed.
Knowing he was Ji-ho’s Guide, and knowing he was finally helping him, made Hye-seong happy. He wanted to stay by his side, for a long, long time.
His heart was beating so fast it felt like Ji-ho might hear it. But right now, he just wanted to hold him tighter.
A while later, the two sat together on the couch, watching a classic film.
It wasn’t that interesting to Hye-seong, but he liked the unique atmosphere of it. That alone made this time feel precious.
Earlier, Ji-ho’s pager had gone off—but he’d shut it off.
Hye-seong’s was off too, per Ji-ho’s request.
Right now, nothing could disturb them.
While watching the movie, Ji-ho absentmindedly stroked Hye-seong’s cheek and hair.
Even when they’d first started guiding, Ji-ho would put on a movie like this. Back then, they could only hold hands for a fixed time.
Thinking about how he used to beg Ji-ho to accept more guiding made him smile.
Now, he didn’t even need to ask—Ji-ho would come to him. He’d even nuzzle his cheek like a giant cat, and somehow, despite being a grown man, it was… cute.
It hadn’t been long since then, but it already felt so distant. That must mean they’d grown closer, at least a little. Even if it was all an illusion, this closeness felt real.
As music from the film played and Ji-ho’s hand moved gently through his hair, Hye-seong began to wonder—was this all a dream?
“Ah…”
“Did that hurt?”
“I’m fine.”
When Hye-seong shook his head, Ji-ho gently rubbed the reddened spot on his cheek with his finger. The sting from his pinch proved this definitely wasn’t a dream.
What happens to me once this time is over?
It wasn’t just about the situation—Ji-ho’s vacation was ending soon. He’d need to start looking into dormitory applications again. He couldn’t live off Ji-ho forever.
Lifting his head from Ji-ho’s chest, Hye-seong looked up at him.
“Ji-ho, when does your vacation end?”
“Tomorrow.”
“Oh… I see…”
Their dream-like holiday was almost over.
Their time together—this close—was also coming to an end.
Hye-seong nodded slowly, lost in thought.
“Why? Gonna miss me?”
“Huh? Oh—no, not at all.”
Startled, Hye-seong quickly shook his head. Ji-ho just smirked.
And then—BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM—BOOM BOOM!
“Aahh!”
Hye-seong yelped and practically jumped out of his skin.
The pounding on the door was so loud it sounded like someone was trying to break it down.
He’d never heard a noise like that in Ji-ho’s usually quiet private residence.
If Ji-ho hadn’t calmly held him down, Hye-seong might’ve shot straight off the couch.
“…”
“…”
Their peaceful moment shattered, Ji-ho scowled in irritation.
Hye-seong stared at him, wide-eyed.
“Shouldn’t you go check?”
“No, just ignore it.”
“…Okay.”
Clearly uneasy, Hye-seong answered reluctantly.
But moments later, a booming voice echoed through the open window.
“Hey, Yoo Ji-ho!”
“Director Shin?”
The familiar voice made Hye-seong jump to his feet and take a step toward the front door.
“Hye-seong.”
“Yes?”
It was a signal to sit. He quickly returned to Ji-ho’s side.
“This punk locked the door too, huh? Yoo Ji-ho! I’m in a damn hurry! Open up, now! Hey!”
Director Shin’s thunderous shouting didn’t let up, ringing through the air like background noise.
Hye-seong had heard this voice before—back at the company dinner, when Director Shin had been complaining loudly about Ji-ho after a few drinks.
Except now, he was sober—but still yelling, thick with sarcasm.
“Pick up your phone! Turn on your pager! I know where you are—why the hell are you hiding? So shameless. And where the hell did you hide the kid? Hye-seong! It’s the Director!”
“Huh? I’m right here though?”
Startled at being called out, Hye-seong glanced nervously at Ji-ho.
Now he couldn’t even stand—he sat there, fidgeting in place.
“Hye-seong, are you in there? Where are you?! Say something if you’re there!”
The Director was calling for him.
When he heard it again, Hye-seong gasped—completely caught off guard.
