Chapter 44
Cha Yoon looked down at Ki Seo-jung with an uncharacteristically bewildered expression. He couldn’t understand what was so unsatisfactory that Seo-jung refused to ride in a car he was driving. Seo-jung’s persistent stubbornness in unexpected areas was starting to make Cha Yoon’s blood boil.
“What’s so wrong with it? Shit, you need to tell me for me to understand.”
“I don’t like you driving, Cha Yoon.”
Ki Seo-jung answered firmly. At this, Cha Yoon barely managed to suppress his rising anger. Is he that distrustful? From the moment he opened his eyes again in the emergency room until now, everything had been displeasing to him.
Is he acting like this because I’ve been in a car accident with him before? Is he afraid I’ll cause another accident? Cha Yoon barely managed to swallow the harsh words that were about to burst out of his mouth.
The doctor’s words about avoiding stress flashed through his mind. He shouldn’t push Ki Seo-jung any further in this state. After calming himself down, Cha Yoon spoke.
“…I’m a fucking good driver.”
“Yes, I know. I know, but I’ll still do it.”
At this point, Seo-jung should have yielded, but he stubbornly insisted on his own opinion. Had there ever been a time when he and Seo-jung had such difficulty communicating? Cha Yoon gritted his teeth, trying to calm his boiling insides. Despite looking weak, Seo-jung’s eyes were sharp, and judging by his expression, nothing would change no matter what more was said. It would only prolong the standoff.
Right, what’s the point of arguing with a sick person? Cha Yoon decided to back down for the first time. With a sigh, he nodded.
“Fine. Drive. Go ahead.”
Cha Yoon handed over his car keys to Ki Seo-jung. Seo-jung took the keys and headed straight for the driver’s seat. Cha Yoon, who had been watching blankly, walked towards the passenger seat with irritated steps.
Despite his intention to be understanding, Cha Yoon’s face was deeply furrowed. It was because of the situations at the hospital that kept coming to mind.
Not only had Seo-jung ignored his offer to help him out of bed, but he had also shown discomfort at the small amount of money Cha Yoon had paid, and now he insisted on driving despite his sick condition, grating on Cha Yoon’s nerves.
Does he hate receiving my help that much? Shit, is it going to kill him to be indebted once? Once his mood soured, he couldn’t think positively at all.
“I’m so fucking upset I can’t stand it. I’m really good at driving, you know.”
Ki Seo-jung lightly ignored Cha Yoon’s grumbling. It was better that Cha Yoon didn’t understand Seo-jung’s feelings.
Cha Yoon, who had been complaining steadily like a radio, finally quieted down when they entered the X House. Though his expression was still annoyed.
Perhaps because it was a weekend morning, the interior was quiet. Seo-jung quietly headed to the second floor.
After the commotion had passed and they entered the room, a sense of comfort came over them as it was a place they had stayed for a few days. Seo-jung, feeling his body trying to relax, entered the bathroom. He needed to start washing up and preparing now to arrive at the control tower on time.
If there was any silver lining, it was that today was a day shift. He only had to work from 8 AM to 3 PM, which made the situation slightly better.
Of course, he could have asked his off-duty colleagues to cover for him. But Seo-jung didn’t want to ruin their day off.
After breaking up with Cha Yoon, Seo-jung had gone to work on his days off, covering for his colleagues. While he naturally sacrificed himself like this, he felt uncomfortable when others sacrificed for him. It was something he could never get used to.
After washing up, Seo-jung corrected his slumped posture and opened the wardrobe door. He ran his hand over the neatly hung suits and pulled out the most modest black suit.
“…What are you doing now?”
Cha Yoon, who had been watching this entire process while sitting on the bed, asked incredulously. He was dumbfounded watching Ki Seo-jung prepare to leave as soon as they came in.
“My shift is short today, so I’m going to rest after I come back.”
“You’re going to work? In your current condition?”
“Yes, I’m fine now.”
Huh. Cha Yoon let out a mocking laugh. This isn’t a joke, what is he thinking? His head throbbed with bewilderment.
Cha Yoon ran his tongue along the inside of his cheek and grabbed Ki Seo-jung’s phone that was placed next to the stand.
“Don’t irritate me and call quickly. Tell them you can’t go.”
“I can go, why should I say I can’t? Give me my phone.”
“Should I call everyone in this call log and make a scene?”
“…Cha Yoon.”
“You don’t think I would?”
Cha Yoon’s eyes flashed fiercely. Ki Seo-jung, who had been moving his lips, let out a deep sigh.
“Stop being childish and give it to me.”
“Who’s being childish here?”
“…What did you say?”
“Don’t you know it’s more of a nuisance to go to work looking like you’re about to die?”
“…”
“That’s what makes people feel pressured. Ah, that person came to work even though they’re sick, so I should do the same later, making them think like that.”
Ki Seo-jung lost his words and quietly looked at Cha Yoon. In fact, he wasn’t wrong. Knowing Ki Seo-jung, who always covered shifts on his days off without any complaints, others would willingly come out too. Rather, Seo-jung’s actions could make others uncomfortable.
As Seo-jung stood there speechless, Cha Yoon spoke again.
“If you can’t do it, I’ll call for you.”
Cha Yoon moved his hand as if he was about to call each person saved in the phone. Startled, Seo-jung quickly approached Cha Yoon.
“Okay. Give it here. I’ll do it.”
Ki Seo-jung, who had been by Cha Yoon’s side for 7 years, knew best that when Cha Yoon said he would do something, he would. Seo-jung hurriedly grabbed Cha Yoon’s hand and snatched his phone back. Cha Yoon froze for a moment at the touch on his hand.
“Haah…”
Seo-jung, rubbing his forehead, rolled his eyes and called a colleague. The ringing didn’t last long before it was answered.
– Hello? Seo-jung?
“Ah… Jung-min. Sorry for calling so early.”
– It’s okay. I was already up. Is something wrong?
“…Um, I’m not feeling well today so I don’t think I can come in. Could you cover for me?”
Ki Seo-jung, who had barely managed to speak, curled his fingers. Cha Yoon was staring at Seo-jung intently, like a supervisor.
– Oh, of course! Certainly.
“I’m sorry for asking so suddenly…”
– What are you sorry for? If you’re asking, you must be really sick. Don’t worry and get plenty of rest.
“Thank you, Jung-min.”
The request was easier than expected. Is this really all? Ki Seo-jung looked down at his phone and awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck.
Cha Yoon narrowed his eyes as if to say ‘See?’ and abruptly stood up. The suit that had been lying on the bed was put back into the closet by Cha Yoon’s hands.
After finishing his task, Cha Yoon gestured behind Ki Seo-jung, who was still standing in place. His finger pointed towards Seo-jung’s bed.
“Now lie down quickly. Stop making people worry.”
“…Alright.”
“Why are you so slow? I said lie down quickly.”
“…I’m lying down. Happy now?”
A sigh-like answer flowed out. Cha Yoon, standing in front of the bathroom, looked at Seo-jung lying obediently on the bed with an expression that still seemed unconvinced.
“If I come out and you’re up, I’ll tell everyone here about how you got sick eating seafood stew all night.”
“Why are you making such threats?”
“If you don’t like that, just lie down quietly and sleep.”
“…”
“I’ve warned you clearly. If I come out after washing and you’re not sleeping, just wait and see.”
Only after making this threat one more time did Cha Yoon enter the bathroom. With a click, the bathroom door closed, and soon the sound of water was heard. Only when it was confirmed that Cha Yoon was washing did Seo-jung feel his tense body slowly relax.
“…Haah.”
Seo-jung sighed and looked at the ceiling. His recent conversation with Cha Yoon floated over the white ceiling.
Seo-jung rubbed his chest. He felt strange. All of Cha Yoon’s words sounded like they were said out of concern for him.
Even though he knew that Cha Yoon had no feelings for him, his weakened heart kept harboring vain hopes.
Seo-jung shook his head to shake off unnecessary thoughts. It seemed his poor physical condition was affecting his ability to think rationally.
Don’t think unnecessary thoughts, just sleep. Ki Seo-jung closed his eyes. As his vision darkened, other senses awakened. For instance, the herbal scent lingering at the tip of his nose. Although he knew all too well the meaning of the potted plant, the fragrant lavender scent made his body languid.
Feeling as if his consciousness was suddenly fading, Seo-jung rested his cheek on the pillow. After repeatedly inhaling and exhaling, he soon fell asleep with soft, steady breaths.
A while later, the bathroom door opened. Unlike when he entered, Cha Yoon carefully walked out through the gap in the door.
Cha Yoon moved to Ki Seo-jung’s bed without hesitation. Contrary to his worries while washing, Ki Seo-jung was sleeping peacefully.
Only then did Cha Yoon’s expression soften, as if relieved. Cha Yoon lightly touched the lavender that had done its job well, as if praising it.
When he turned his gaze from the potted plant back to Seo-jung, the corners of Cha Yoon’s mouth, which had risen unconsciously, didn’t come down. Cha Yoon remained in that spot for quite a long time afterwards.
