BAI Ch 18

“So, what do you like about this Hyung?”

“His personality.”

Kwon Sehyuk gulped.

“His personality… isn’t that great…”

“Then why do you like him?”

“Not being nice doesn’t mean he’s a bad person. He’s just… unique.”

That was the only way he could explain it for now. Like his brother said, he still didn’t even know the man’s name. But he wasn’t in a hurry. He didn’t need to be anymore.

Kwon Sehyuk jumped out of bed and threw open the walk-in closet door.

“Muhyeok-ah. Which outfit suits Hyung best?”

“Your workout clothes?”

“No, not those. A suit.”

“The one you wore last time. The blue and grey one.”

“Ah.”

Kwon Sehyuk pictured the mackerel-patterned suit hanging in his closet. He’d worn it to his graduation party. He hadn’t liked it, but many people had complimented him on it. He’d assumed they were just being polite, but maybe it really did suit him?

Kwon Sehyuk rummaged through the hangers and pulled out the suit. He held it up against himself in front of the mirror. It didn’t seem bad.

From the bed, his brother asked, “Where are you going, Hyung-ah?”

“Don’t tell Mom or Uncle.”

“But you have a cold, Hyung-ah.”

“I’m all better now.”

He tossed aside his worn-out t-shirt and sweatpants. The freshly dry-cleaned suit smelled pleasant. Kwon Sehyuk quickly put on the trousers, shirt, and buttoned it up. His heart was beating faster than usual, like he was about to start the final set of a championship match.

“I thought you were staying home today…”

“I won’t be out too late.”

“You said that last time too. But Hyung-ah, you’ve been coming home late a lot lately.”

Kwon Sehyuk, who was fiddling with his tie, turned around. Kwon Muhyeok was looking at him with a sullen expression.

“Mom likes that you’re on TV, Hyung-ah.”

“Really?”

“But I don’t. I like the real Hyung-ah better.”

Kwon Sehyuk tossed the tie aside. He strode over to the bed and scooped up his glum-looking brother in a hug.

“I won’t be late today.”

“…….”

“It’s not a photoshoot, an interview, or some event or TV program. There’s no reason for me to be late.”

“Do you really have to go?”

Screw it. Kwon Sehyuk blurted out, “I’ll get his name.”

“Can’t I go too?”

“No!”

Kwon Muhyeok’s eyes welled up. Kwon Sehyuk quickly lowered his voice.

“We’re still… um, getting to know each other. It’s not time to introduce anyone yet. Do you understand what Hyung means?”

“No…”

Kwon Sehyuk nuzzled his face against his brother’s neck and laughed.

“Don’t worry. I’ll be back early. I promise.”

Kwon Sehyuk held out his pinky finger to his brother. He had a classic line for this situation.

“When has Hyung ever disappointed you?”

His brother smiled. Seeing that bright face filled him with determination. At this moment, Kwon Sehyuk felt confident enough to get not just the man’s name but his head on a platter.

Shin Haebeom’s career had taken a sharp turn after meeting Kwon Joohyuk. As if to compensate for his humiliating twenties, he had risen through the ranks at a dizzying pace, achieving his current position.

Sudden rises attract attention, in any field. The fact that Kwon Joohyuk had always been single added fuel to the rumors, and there were even whispers that the two were in some sort of secret relationship. This was put to rest when Kwon Joohyuk, the president’s aide, publicly released his medical records. He was congenitally impotent.

Many people opposed this drastic decision to reveal such a private matter. Most believed it would end his political career. But at the time, Shin Haebeom had supported Kwon Joohyuk’s choice. Not for Kwon Joohyuk’s sake, but out of curiosity. He wanted to know what a man in power intended to buy by selling his own misfortune.

As a result, Kwon Joohyuk became the subject of public ridicule, but he gained the sympathy vote, something no member of the Iron Party possessed. It was the opposite approach to Yu Mihyun, who appealed with her flawless superwoman image.

Kwon Joohyuk was a natural at propaganda. A master of image-making and a chameleon of transformation. He grasped the flow of the times, recognized the changing atmosphere, and adapted like a chameleon. He would stop at nothing to achieve his goals.

Shin Haebeom smiled at the elderly gentleman, who looked particularly dapper in his brown fedora.

“Public Security wants us to stay out of it.”

“Those inflexible Chinks.”

“From their perspective, he’s a solid, mid-sized business owner who pays his taxes diligently and has a good image thanks to his social work. There’s no place without dust if you sweep hard enough… but it’s a region with strong local ties. Even if we pressure them, it’ll just end with a tax audit, and it’ll be difficult to find a link to <White Lion>.”

“Seems like Ha Seongrok put in a lot of effort.”

“He has to earn his keep.”

Kwon Joohyuk pointed at Shin Haebeom’s left ear.

“I can understand Chiwoo being careless, but you, Haebeom, should be more careful.”

It was something Choi Yushin would have scolded him for, but Shin Haebeom continued calmly, “It’s actually a good thing. I’ll get some sympathy votes for myself too. Chiwoo’s been more popular than me lately. I heard his fan club is even raising money for his hospital bills. I don’t know if it’s true, but I’m green with envy.”

Kwon Joohyuk looked displeased. He had always been wary of Jin Chiwoo. Not because Jin Chiwoo lacked Shin Haebeom’s competence, but because he disliked Shin Haebeom having a loyal subordinate.

“Speaking of which…”

Shin Haebeom carefully probed, “Did you see the report I submitted last time?”

“Yes.”

“Jung Ryujin looks a lot like my Noona.”

Jung Ryujin’s profile and photo were included in the <Phaeton> report. He’d agonized over the USB drive containing the video file until the last minute before putting it in his desk drawer.

“He’ll be a valuable asset.”

“You’re all Sehyuk needs.”

“It’s hard to fly with only one wing.”

Shin Haebeom’s voice was firm.

“A new campaign needs new faces. Young, fresh faces that attract attention. It would be even better if there’s symbolic meaning that supports the Prince’s political stance.”

Jung Ryujin met all the criteria. He was objectively handsome and Ryu Yeonbi’s younger brother. There was no way Kwon Joohyuk didn’t know that.

After a long silence, he spoke.

“Haebeom.”

“Yes, sir.”

“What were you going to do if I hadn’t approved it?”

Permission and reprimand came at the same time. Shin Haebeom replied calmly, “I would have handled it according to the law.”

“You would have been disappointed in me then.”

“That would never happen.”

Shin Haebeom drove the point home. “I wouldn’t do anything you disapprove of, General.”

“Without even trying to change my mind?”

“I’m not such a skilled architect. You can make the audience gasp with any material, but unfortunately…”

Shin Haebeom shook his head with a smile.

“I’m just a third-rate writer who depends on the material.”

Kwon Joohyuk let out a hearty laugh.

“Indeed, that’s a natural talent. It’s not something you can achieve through effort.”

“Jung Ryujin is a fine young man. You won’t be disappointed.”

Snake-like eyes glinted under the brim of his hat. Shin Haebeom didn’t miss the anticipation in those eyes. He suppressed a laugh. The old man has a weakness for pretty boys…

“Oh, and one more thing,” Kwon Joohyuk said at the door.

“We need to form a suppression team.”

“A protest?”

“Not exactly.”

Kwon Joohyuk was vague.

“I’m planning a business venture under Sehyuk’s name, but they keep obstructing us with protected area nonsense. They’re hindering even the groundwork, it’s a real headache.”

“A protected area? Some kind of environmental group?”

“I don’t know. I’ve never heard of them before. The reports say they’re agile. Makes me wonder if it’s some student group.”

“Understood. Will Code 3 suffice?”

“That’s for you to decide, Haebeom.”

Shin Haebeom escorted Kwon Joohyuk to the elevator.

“I apologize for not being able to accompany you further. Have a safe trip.”

About ten minutes after Kwon Joohyuk left, Jin Chiwoo walked in sheepishly, holding a bag of hamburgers.

“He’s gone?”

“Yeah, he’s gone.”

“Gi Woohee was seeing him off in the lobby. She has it rough.”

“If you know that, then go help her.”

“No way, I can’t. I can’t control my expression in front of that guy.”

Jin Chiwoo took out a hamburger and tossed it to Shin Haebeom.

“What’s this?”

“New item.”

“You need to cut down on fast food, Chiwoo. You’ve definitely gained weight lately.”

“Hey! Don’t ruin my appetite!”

“Next time, I’d prefer a proper meal. I don’t gain weight, but eating this kind of stuff makes me feel empty.”

“Can’t you just wear earplugs or something?”

“In this weather?”

Shin Haebeom unwrapped the hamburger with a smile. It was sad that his ears were tattered and torn, but the pleasure of bossing Jin Chiwoo around made it all worthwhile.

“Not bad. This hamburger.”

“Right? Hey, instant food isn’t that bad. And you know what? Hamburgers are actually complete meals! You know how many nutrients are packed in a hamburger?”

“Did you bring any cola?”

“Here.”

Shin Haebeom caught the tossed can with one hand. The condensation on the can almost made him drop it.

Munching on his hamburger, Jin Chiwoo asked, “Yena’s having a hard time, huh?”

“Hard time? He’s having fun playing with a young, pretty boy.”

“Is he you?!”

French fry fragments sprayed from Jin Chiwoo’s mouth. Shin Haebeom grabbed a tissue box and threw it at him.

“Ow! Hey!”

“If I were Yena, I’d choose Jung Ryujin over you too. He’s young, pretty, and so easily smitten he’d give his liver and gallbladder for a little kindness.”

“That’s your perspective.”

“Be nice to Yena, Jung Ryujin. If you were half as compliant with me, I’d have no complaints.”

“Do you have no conscience?”

Shin Haebeom chuckled.

“You got your ear torn to shreds because you got rejected by Ha Shinsung and took it out on him, didn’t you?”

“Come on.”

“It’s not ‘come on.’ Control yourself, you bastard. He’s practically family now, eating from the same pot. What if you accidentally kick the hornet’s nest?”

“Aren’t you worried about me?”

Jin Chiwoo stared at Shin Haebeom with french fries dangling from his mouth.

“Huh?”

“I’m doing a lot of emotional labor too.”

“Man…”

“I need something to stay sane. For me, that’s Jung Ryujin. Honestly, Chiwoo, touching his soft ass calms me down.”

“Write your dirty talk in your diary, you asshole!”

Shin Haebeom cackled. Jin Chiwoo sighed deeply.

“Has he gained any weight?”

“Not really. He’s still skinny and frail.”

“How’s he going to function like that? Ah, feed him some medicine or something to fatten him up.”

“I already dropped off a box of protein powder for him.”

“What did Kwon Joohyuk say?”

“Like that perverted old man would refuse? His hands are probably itching to get his paws on a young one.”

Shin Haebeom crumpled the hamburger wrapper and tossed it in the trash.

“He seems a bit wary of the risk, but since Jung Ryujin has family and the conditions we offered are so good, he doesn’t seem to think he’ll betray us. More than anything, it helps MVP’s career.”

“…….”

“He seems personally interested, too.”

Jin Chiwoo’s head snapped up.

“Personally?”

“Well, he is Ryu Yeonbi’s brother.”

“Hey, then maybe… Could it be true?”

“What?”

“The Kwon and Kwak rivalry rumor.”

Shin Haebeom snorted and shook his head.

“That’s ancient gossip.”

Back when rumors about Ryu Yeonbi were rampant, there were whispers about Kwon Joohyuk and Kwak Jaeheon being rivals. The basis for this rumor was Kwon Joohyuk’s involvement in the “Cultural Arts Development Project,” which played a crucial role in Ryu Yeonbi’s debut.

Ryu Yeonbi came from a humble background. His parents had died early, leaving him in difficult circumstances. He grew up with his younger brother under the care of his maternal grandmother. He learned to play the piano and classical guitar at the local church and played and sang in a busy square every Saturday. Though he sang his heart out all day, it only earned him pocket money, but perhaps due to his persistence, innate beauty, and talent, he was popular with people of all ages. He was literally a back-alley idol.

A producer took notice and gave him a business card, and he began living and training at the company, preparing for his debut. It was a major agency that had produced a national girl group during the 48th administration, but by the time Ryu Yeonbi joined, its finances were in poor shape. Excessive regulations from the Censorship Bureau had led to the destruction of all their albums, making the comeback of their artists uncertain. With the CEO arrested for protesting, the company was essentially a shell of its former self.

However, the producer who scouted Ryu Yeonbi was a responsible man. He was well-connected in the entertainment industry and had a knack for using information to his advantage. He had faith in Ryu Yeonbi and the tenacity to wait for the right opportunity.

He supported Ryu Yeonbi financially, encouraging him to focus on his music while his debut was repeatedly delayed, and he struggled with living expenses and missed his family back home. He reminded Ryu Yeonbi that the current suppression was only temporary, meant to leave only artists who suited the Iron Party’s taste.

The opportunity soon arrived. The dark ages ended, and the golden curtain rose in a blaze of glory. The Censorship Bureau, which had previously tightened its purse strings, suddenly changed its stance and began hosting various audition programs under the guise of promoting cultural activities, urging agencies to participate. Many disillusioned individuals left the industry during this period, but there were also those who seized the opportunity and unleashed their potential. Ryu Yeonbi unequivocally belonged to the latter group. And he was the one who “unleashed” the most.

Jin Chiwoo stared blankly into space with unfocused eyes.

“His debut stage was amazing. How old was Ryu Yeonbi back then…?”

“You looked it up, didn’t you?”

“Yeah.”

“Oh, man. You want to do that?”

“Hey! You did the same when you were interrogating Jung Ryujin…!”

“Mine was purely for investigative purposes. But you?”

Jin Chiwoo grumbled, “I just watched it because I remembered, a trip down memory lane! Can’t you understand that?”

Shin Haebeom silently searched his pockets. He took out a cigarette, put it in his mouth, and lit it nonchalantly.

“He’s not Ryu Yeonbi.”

“I know.”

“He just looks like her, he’s a completely different person. They can’t be the same, even if they share blood. How can a woman who lived like a queen during the golden age of entertainment be the same as a boy who was a lackey for an anti-government organization?”

“True…”

“Their values and personalities are completely different. And no matter what he does or says, don’t forget that he tried to kill you.”

“How could I forget?”

“Good. I trust you.”

A chill ran through the frozen air. Jin Chiwoo silently picked at his cold fries.

✶⋆.˚

Ryujin sat on a landscaping rock in front of the towering gate. The white dog he’d brought for a walk wagged its tail excitedly, circling him. It was a fierce Pungsan dog, said to be able to hunt tigers, but its playful behavior was pure puppy.

Ryujin shook a bag of treats he’d taken from Shin Yena’s office.

“Let’s eat this.”

The excited dog jumped up, placing its front paws on Ryujin’s knees and wagging its bushy tail.

“Eat slowly. You’ll get indigestion.”

Shin Yena didn’t give the dog treats anymore. He’d gained weight recently. Dogs can strain their leg joints if they exceed their ideal weight. So Ryujin only gave him treats during walks, and only a small amount.

“Sorry.”

He was petting the dog, which was nudging him for more, when he felt a rumble. Ryujin stood up awkwardly. His jaw dropped at the sight of the sleek red sports car. The door whirred upwards, revealing Kwon Sehyuk, dressed in a suit, no less.

“Hey, you…”

“Kept my promise, didn’t I?”

Stunned, Ryujin asked, “You bought a car?”

“No, this is Mom’s.”

“And what’s with the outfit?”

“What, don’t you like it? Someone told me it suits me…”

That wasn’t the point. Ryujin sighed and shook his head.

Kwon Sehyuk gave an embarrassed laugh.

“I said I was taking the day off because I was sick. I should’ve done this from the beginning. I wasted so much time chasing after you.”

Ryujin tightened his grip on the dog’s leash to prevent it from jumping on Kwon Sehyuk. Kwon Sehyuk’s eyes sparkled.

“Who’s this?”

“The shop dog.”

“Really? I didn’t see him last time.”

“We keep him in the back yard of the annex. He can’t be around the customers.”

Kwon Sehyuk crouched down and patted the dog’s back.

“Cute. A Jindo?”

“Pungsan.”

“My grandfather had a dog like this when I was little. It had a huge litter of puppies. Almost ten?”

Ryujin pulled on the leash as the dog instinctively tried to put its paws on Kwon Sehyuk’s lap.

“I don’t mind.”

“I don’t want to pay for your dry cleaning.”

“Who said I’d ask you to?”

Ryujin tried to avoid looking at Kwon Sehyuk’s smiling face. He was afraid he might start to like him.

“I’ll go get the stuff, wait here. I didn’t bring it with me in case I lost it.”

“Why walk when you have a perfectly good car? Get in.”

“How can I bring a dog in a car like this?”

“Why not?”

Kwon Sehyuk tugged on Ryujin’s arm.

The stiff ride of the sports car was unfamiliar. The dog whined, turning its head this way and that. Ryujin fumbled with the seatbelt, unsure how it worked, when Kwon Sehyuk’s hand suddenly reached out.

“…….”

He smelled of Kwon Sehyuk’s cologne. Just as Ryujin swallowed hard, the dog licked Kwon Sehyuk’s cheek. There was no time to stop it.

“Oops.”

“So-sorry. Do you have any tissues?”

“It’s okay.”

Kwon Sehyuk seemed momentarily surprised, but quickly composed himself.

“It’s fine. Don’t worry about it.”

He wiped his cheek with the back of his hand.

“What? Do I look like a germaphobe?”

“No… just…”

Ryujin hugged the dog tightly.

“People like you are… sensitive.”

“What do you mean, people like me?”

“The smart but uptight type.”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“You don’t have to.”

He’d heard somewhere that sports cars had a harsh ride. Actually experiencing it, he couldn’t tell. The dog, however, seemed terrified, burying its face in Ryujin’s neck and trembling slightly. Ryujin kept stroking its head and back.

Kwon Sehyuk turned on the stereo. A light, bouncy melody filled the car. A song by a female singer with a lovely voice.

“What do you think? It’s a new song, do you like it?”

“Is being a singer your dream or something?”

“No way. The only things I can’t do are sing and play instruments. I tried learning guitar once, but I just got calluses on my fingers and gave up. Chords are too hard.”

“What’s so hard about it? You just didn’t practice enough.”

“You know how to play guitar, Hyung?”

“My Noona taught me.”

“Wow, you have a Noona?”

Ryujin wanted to bang his head against the window. But he couldn’t take back what he’d said.

Kwon Sehyuk hummed along to the song.

“So you have a Noona.”

“…….”

“Is that why you’re so cute?”

“Huh?”

“Maybe it’s because I’m the eldest, but I always feel like looking after the youngest ones.”

“You don’t have to look after me.”

Ryujin emphasized that point.

“I’m older than you.”

“Only by one year.”

“Still, Hyung is Hyung!”

Kwon Sehyuk giggled. He seemed desperate to be called Hyung. Right, I should take him somewhere nice sometime and show him the difference in our class. Where would be good? The hotel where they had the graduation party? The Yorkshire pudding there was pretty good.

The annex gate was closed. Ryujin unbuckled his seatbelt.

“Wait here.”

“It’s small. Is it the staff quarters?”

“Stay in the car and wait.”

Kwon Sehyuk didn’t listen.

“I said wait!”

“I’m not a dog!”

Kwon Sehyuk insisted on following him, even going so far as to put his arm around Ryujin’s shoulders. Ryujin wanted to shove him off, but refrained for fear of making a scene.

Kwon Sehyuk ended up following him all the way to his room.

“Wow…”

“What’s so impressive?”

“Your room is so cute.”

Ryujin wondered what Shin Haebeom’s expression would be if he heard that.

“Here.”

“Ah! Yeah.”

Kwon Sehyuk checked the contents and smiled.

“It’s all there.”

“What, did you think I’d steal some?”

“No, it’s not that…”

Kwon Sehyuk trailed off.

“I was just a little embarrassed.”

“Satisfied? Now go.”

“Why are you telling me to leave already?”

Disappointment dripped from his voice.

“You’re not even offering a glass of water to someone who came all this way?”

Ryujin poured him some water from the kettle. It was lukewarm. But Kwon Sehyuk didn’t drink it. He set it on the floor and stretched out.

“Hey!”

“I’m just going to lie down for a bit. I’m tired.”

Kwon Sehyuk closed his eyes and put the back of his hand on his forehead.

“I’m so tired…”

Ryujin sighed.

“…Is there anything you want to do?”

“When are you free, Hyung?”

“I’ll be working here for a while, so… huh?”

“Huh?”

“About the drugs… I asked if there was anything you wanted to do.”

Kwon Sehyuk gave an awkward laugh.

“Let’s talk about that later. It’s not urgent.”

“What else is there to talk about?”

Kwon Sehyuk sat up.

“You know, normal friend stuff.”

“…….”

“Isn’t it about time you told me your name?”

“You’re really persistent. Just call me Hyung.”

“I told my brother about you, Hyung.”

His voice was unexpectedly sharp. Ryujin brought him a cushion.

“Sit and talk. The floor is cold.”

“Actually, I got caught using drugs.”

“What? Hey!”

“At least my uncle knows. But he’s pretending not to. I can guess why.”

Kwon Sehyuk sat on the cushion. With his slumped shoulders, he looked surprisingly weak and small. Ryujin swallowed hard.

“The ace of our team… he was really talented. He was set to join a semi-pro team before graduation, we even had a celebration party. But he got caught in a drug test, a doping test.”

The entire volleyball team was summoned for questioning. While technically witnesses, they couldn’t avoid being investigated.

In a subdued voice, Kwon Sehyuk confessed that he was about to be caught red-handed, but his uncle had helped him escape.

“I was the only one who got away.”

He meant he felt guilty.

“I couldn’t sleep at night. I was exhausted from my schedule, but I couldn’t sleep until dawn. I felt sorry for my friends, worried about them, and scared.”

Ryujin listened silently. He suddenly wondered whether Kwon Sehyuk had been offered the drugs by his friend, or if he had offered them.

“Did you suggest it?”

“No.”

“Then don’t worry about it.”

“Huh?”

“Unless you’re going to take the fall for them, don’t sympathize with them.”

“Who said I sympathize with them? I’m worried about them.”

“Then go tell them now. Tell them you did it too, so you’ll accept the same punishment.”

“Ah, Hyung…!”

“See? You don’t want to.”

Ryujin stared at Kwon Sehyuk’s face.

“If you’re not going to do that, then forget about it. That’s the less painful way. They can’t hurt you anyway, so what are you worried about?”

“…….”

“Why are you hesitating? If you’re still clinging to them because you have lingering feelings, stop it. It’s a surefire way to make yourself look pathetic.”

Kwon Sehyuk’s expression suddenly brightened.

“You’re right. I don’t need my old friends anymore.”

“What?”

“No, really. If we stop contacting each other, which side loses more? I’m out and about, meeting people, appearing on TV, doing interviews, but they’re… ordinary.”

Kwon Sehyuk spoke with determination.

“I don’t need superficial relationships. I just need one person who’ll be there for me when things are tough. That’s enough for me.”

He repeated, “Just one person is enough.”

“Is that person me?”

“I think so.”

Ryujin was taken aback.

“Don’t be ridiculous, Kwon Sehyuk. You’re under some strange delusion.”

“It’s not a delusion. Hyung, our meeting wasn’t a coincidence. How could I lose something at that exact moment, and you happen to know what it was… How is that possible? How can that be a coincidence?”

Kwon Sehyuk was right. It wasn’t a coincidence. It was a stray dog lurking in the darkness, biting the tail of a naive young dragon. It wasn’t coincidence, but deliberate inevitability. But he couldn’t reveal that.

“Don’t overthink it. You were just lucky.”

“I don’t think it was luck.”

Kwon Sehyuk firmly believed it was fate, destiny. Looking into his confident eyes, Ryujin felt a wave of complex emotions wash over him.

“If that’s what you think, then fine, believe what you want. But don’t force your feelings on me.”

“What am I to you, Hyung?”

“You said it yourself, we’re friends.”

“Do you really think of me as a friend?”

Ryujin was speechless. Kwon Sehyuk’s voice gained strength.

“You know my biggest secret, but I know nothing about you. That makes me anxious.”

“…….”

“Even though we haven’t known each other for long, I think we have a special connection. I can feel it. I have pretty good intuition, you know.”

He felt bad for Kwon Sehyuk, but it just sounded like a child whining. I’ve been through so much. But I feel better now that I’ve met you.

Ryujin sighed inwardly. In Kwon Sehyuk’s life plan, the thoughts and feelings of others didn’t seem to matter.

✶⋆.˚

The dawn sky was a painfully bright blue.

Ryujin groaned and collapsed onto the floor, still in his uniform. He kicked off his shoes without using his hands, his legs waving in the air. Shin Yena, seeing the shoes land on the step, laughed.

“Let’s eat this.”

Shin Yena emerged, changed into loose pants, holding a basket of strawberries. They were freshly washed and dripping with water.

“Wow, strawberries.”

“It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

Ryujin smiled silently in response.

His puffed-out cheeks made him look like a hamster.

Shin Yena had observed that Ryujin tended to gobble his food, stuffing more in his mouth even before he’d swallowed what was already there. He often choked, then coughed while trying to wash it down with water. She’d told the boss about it, and Shin Haebeom had told her to smack the back of Ryujin’s hand with a spoon. Of course, Shin Yena had no intention of doing that.

“By the way, Ryujin, what did you talk about with MVP?”

Shin Yena plucked the stem off a strawberry.

“Oppa told me not to interfere, but I’m curious about what kind of person he is.”

“He’s nice,” Ryujin replied.

“His personality seems nice. But honestly, he’s not the type I want to get close to.”

“Why?”

“Because he’s nice.”

“You don’t want to be friends with him because he’s nice?”

“Being around him makes me feel like a real asshole. I don’t know why I should feel that way.”

Ryujin chuckled.

“He has everything, it’s ridiculous. Someone like that should at least have a shitty personality.”

The white dog approached, wagging its tail and sniffing at the basket.

“Can I give him one?”

After Shin Yena gave him permission, Ryujin smiled.

“Being around him makes me feel like the world is unfair. I’m jealous, that’s right. So I think… it’s better for me to keep my distance.”

“But he’s not someone you can avoid.”

“That’s the problem.”

Ryujin sprawled on the floor, staring up at the eaves.

The thing he envied most about Kwon Sehyuk wasn’t his background, his expensive foreign car, or his designer clothes. It was his family. The safety net that gave him the assurance of being loved and protected.

A breeze ruffled their hair. Shin Yena said, “Don’t you have any common interests?”

“I don’t know.”

“It’s easier to become friends if you do. Especially at your age…”

“Ah!”

Ryujin sat up abruptly.

“He likes music. He talked about my Noona.”

“Really? What did he say?”

“I don’t remember exactly, but something about the golden age of music… That crazy bastard. How dare he babble about that.”

“Did that make you angry?”

“…A little.”

Shin Yena watched as Ryujin lay back down. A quiet voice drifted up.

“It felt… a little strange.”

Shin Haebeom had called Ryujin a scrawny anchovy. Jin Chiwoo went even further, cursing him, saying he’d have to be reborn to look human. Even Gi Woohee, who rarely insulted anyone, had assessed him as unfit to be a soldier.

But Shin Yena disagreed. Ryujin’s physique wasn’t bad. He had a good frame. Broad shoulders, relatively large hands and feet. He was still young, so he could grow taller. Shin Yena hadn’t yet realized he was paying more attention to Ryujin than Shin Haebeom had ordered.

“How much did he tell him about you?”

“I only told him my name. He was whining so much.”

Ryujin curled up on his side.

“When he finds out everything later, he’ll resent me, won’t he?”

Kwon Sehyuk would definitely be angry. Would Shin Haebeom protect him then?

Ryujin shook his head internally. A voice seemed to echo in his mind. Don’t get your hopes up, you idiot.

He couldn’t trust Shin Haebeom. He was dangerous. An addict to power, even more frightening than a drug addict. At least drug addiction could be treated, but there was no cure for power. There was a reason why history was full of dictators whose reigns ended in purges.

“Ryujin,” Shin Yena said.

“You’re a much better person than you think.”

Ryujin felt his hand stroking his shoulder.

“You’re really upright, bright… and strong. I think you’re amazing.”

“I’m not someone who deserves to be called amazing.”

“Yes, you are. I wish you had a little more confidence.”

“…….”

“People who have suffered a lot are stronger. That’s what I think when I see you.”

Ryujin didn’t reply. He simply closed his eyes, basking in Shin Yena’s warm touch. He was sleepy and tired. He didn’t want to think about anything right now.

✶⋆.˚

He abandoned the Cadillac on the main road and slipped into a secluded alleyway with no CCTV cameras. He changed clothes in a dirty public restroom in a dilapidated building and spent the day at a nearby PC bang.

Ha Shinsung used a fake ID to rent another car long-term and converted all his money to cash. He removed the SIM card from his phone, submerged it in water, and threw it in a clothing donation bin along with his security company uniform. He considered getting rid of his pager but kept it just in case.

Of course, there was no contact from the organization. There was no point in resenting them now. Everything was his own fault. Turning the car around on the way to the airport, targeting Shin Haebeom, going to his house, and becoming a fugitive—all of it.

Ha Shinsung put on non-prescription glasses. Wearing a checkered shirt, worn-out jeans, loose sneakers, and a laptop bag, he frequented crowded places. He was startled when he saw his reflection in a shop window. He was perfectly Gwak Hyeonwoo. He wondered what Ryujin would think if he saw him like this, then laughed hollowly. That boy hadn’t liked him for his Gwak Hyeonwoo appearance.

His hair had grown long. It felt stuffy at the nape of his neck, and his bangs kept poking his eyes. But he didn’t want to cut it. He was afraid someone might recognize him.

Ha Shinsung changed his accommodations frequently. He pretended to be a student traveling from China and smiled shyly when complimented on his fluent Korean. It felt natural now. But his old friend didn’t seem to think so. Lee Rohan avoided eye contact and sighed constantly throughout their meeting.

“What’s with your appearance?”

“It’s good for staying inconspicuous.”

“Are you eating properly?”

“Barely.”

The small gomtang restaurant tucked away on the corner of an alley next to a night market was the meeting place Lee Rohan had chosen.

“When are you leaving the country?”

“Soon… but there are still a lot of loose ends to tie up.”

Lee Rohan scratched the back of his head irritably. He’d been saddled with all the accounting left behind by Cha Moeun and Baek Sayul when they left the country with the boss. Woo Seunghwan, the support team leader, was all talk and no action. As soon as <White Swan> closed, he’d been the first to grab the profits and run, abandoning even his own team members. Ha Shinsung gritted his teeth. He would find that bastard and tear him limb from limb.

“The money?”

“I brought it.”

Lee Rohan pulled a thick brown envelope from his inside jacket pocket.

“Will this be enough?”

“For a few days.”

“Did you tell the boss?”

“…….”

“Hey, what are you going to do?”

“I’ll figure it out.”

As Ha Shinsung started to get up, Lee Rohan grabbed his arm.

“At least have a spoonful of soup. They make good gomtang here.”

“I can’t stay long.”

“I ordered it before you arrived. Just have a little. If we part now, who knows when we’ll meet again?”

Desperation laced Lee Rohan’s voice.

“Alright…”

Ha Shinsung sat back down. As if on cue, a steaming bowl of gomtang arrived. The sight of the glistening rice grains, meat, and cellophane noodles swimming in the broth made his mouth water. Lee Rohan clicked his tongue and sprinkled salt and pepper into the bowl.

“Want a drink?”

Before Ha Shinsung could answer, Lee Rohan ordered soju and filled their glasses to the brim. It was his first drink in a while.

The cheap soju warmed his stomach.

“Thanks.”

“Don’t mention it…”

The bell on the door jingled. A group of men entered. The owner, who had just served Ha Shinsung his gomtang, called out from the kitchen, “Are you here to eat?”

Ha Shinsung looked up. He was about to reach for the kkakdugi on the other side of the table. Just as he extended his chopsticks, he met Lee Rohan’s gaze, fixed on something behind him.

“…….”

His friend’s eyes wavered. His expression was strange. He hadn’t touched his food.

“Sung-ah.”

Ha Shinsung silently stared at his friend’s face, searching his eyes and voice for what he was trying to say.

“I can’t just leave you to die…”

Lee Rohan couldn’t finish his sentence. The still-boiling gomtang splashed across his face.

“Aaargh!”

A horrific scream erupted as the large men who had just entered pounced on Ha Shinsung’s table.