CYY Chapter 2.1

Hyeon-oh, who had been screaming for a while, had to roll around on his bed until the neighbor banged on the wall, signaling for him to quiet down. But thoughts weren’t something he could simply stop.

The night with Do-jin flashed through Hyeon-oh’s mind. The strange atmosphere, Do-jin’s uncharacteristically gentle demeanor, the way his body subtly positioned itself for insertion like a snake slithering over a wall, the soft touch of his hands, and the fragmented memories of pleasure that made Hyeon-oh lose himself.

No way. There’s no way… Hyeon-oh muttered to himself like a madman for a long time. His face was burning red. His Adam’s apple bobbed up and down heavily.

“Haha.”

Hyeon-oh let out a mechanical laugh, covering his dry lips with his hand. As he gently rubbed his rough, chapped skin, he forced out another insincere chuckle.

“Haha. No way. There’s no way that could be true.”

His voice lacked any inflection, as if he were trying to rationalize it to himself. And why wouldn’t it? Do-jin and Hyeon-oh had known each other since they were ten-year-old snot-nosed kids. How could his best friend, the one he used to wear taekwondo uniforms with and share Pikachu-shaped katsu with, possibly pretend not to remember everything from last night?

 ***

Do-jin and Hyeon-oh first met at a taekwondo academy when they were ten. They had lived in the same neighborhood since birth, but they had never crossed paths before.

The reason was simple. Until they entered elementary school, they lived in different apartment complexes, so they never met at the playground. In kindergarten, Do-jin attended a public one attached to a school, while Hyeon-oh went to a private one. Even after starting elementary school, they were never in the same class.

Hyeon-oh’s mother enrolled him in a taekwondo academy around the age of ten, partly because Hyeon-oh had begged to join his friends. There was also a childish desire to look cool, as some of his friends, who had started taekwondo at a younger age, already had black belts.

But Hyeon-oh was among the boys who started taekwondo late. He felt embarrassed wearing a plain white belt while his peers had colored ones, which naturally led him to seek out a friend his age to ease his discomfort.

Among the new students that month, the only one his age was Yoo Do-jin. Hyeon-oh had initially mistaken him for an older kid because of his unusually tall stature, but he turned out to be the same age.

Thanks to Do-jin’s friendly and sociable personality, the two quickly became close. They grew so close that Hyeon-oh would willingly save up his allowance to buy Do-jin a slushie.

Their friendship deepened, and the next year, they ended up in the same class, solidifying their bond even further. They walked to school together, attended classes side by side, and signed up for the same after-school programs if something caught their interest. They even went to the same cram school. Occasionally, they slept over at each other’s houses.

Until they graduated from elementary school, they were sometimes in the same class and sometimes not, but Do-jin and Hyeon-oh remained inseparable. It was no surprise that they went to the same middle school and high school.

They were in the same class in sixth grade, first and second year of middle school, and all three years of high school. Their friend group changed every year, but Do-jin and Hyeon-oh were always together.

As their bodies grew and their minds matured, their friendship accumulated countless memories.

Do-jin winning a gold medal at a taekwondo tournament as the school representative; Hyeon-oh, after getting his first girlfriend, using Do-jin’s name to sneak out overnight only to almost get shaved bald by his mom when she caught him; the training camp where they did nothing but shout kiai until they were exhausted; the school trip where they secretly drank alcohol; Do-jin, the all-around athlete, dominating the sports festival and winning chicken for their class; the field trip to an amusement park where they bet on eating kimbap while riding a roller coaster, only to get scolded by the staff…

The memories piled up like beads. But it wasn’t just memories that accumulated. As Do-jin and Hyeon-oh grew into adults, their conversations shifted from “What should we do for fun today?” to “What are we going to do with our lives?”

Unlike Hyeon-oh, who decided to attend a university based on his grades, Do-jin had set his sights on a physical education major since middle school. While Hyeon-oh had grown bored of taekwondo after earning his black belt and quit, Do-jin continued with taekwondo and explored various sports—judo, kendo, special forces martial arts, boxing, jiu-jitsu… the list went on.

With his exceptional physique, athletic talent, and love for sports, by high school, Do-jin was known as the guy in class who excelled at athletics.

In contrast, Hyeon-oh’s school life seemed ordinary. Like most boys his age, he bragged subtly about his first experiences, boasted about what he did with his girlfriends, and thought his “coolness” came from showing off how he flirted with them.

 ***

“Didn’t you turn in your phone?”

“Mind your own business.”

During a break, Hyeon-oh pulled out the phone he’d hidden under his desk. The first thing he did was text his girlfriend at the time. Looking back, it didn’t feel like true love. It was more like the typical teenage affection exchanged with a partner.

For whatever reason, Hyeon-oh was more popular with older girls or those his age than with younger ones. He wanted to be called “oppa” by someone, but all he could say was, “Noona, I’ll just call you by your name now.” With a bitter expression, he replied to a text he’d barely received before class started.

“Hey, Hyeon-oh.”

“Oh my, has Hyeon-oh’s wife arrived?”

“Yes, sir, I’m here. But what’s this guy doing?”

“What do you think? Sending love texts to his girlfriend. Lucky bastard.”

Do-jin casually plopped down on the chair in front of Hyeon-oh, letting out a “Hmm” and looking at him with amused eyes. After sending a clichéd affectionate text, Hyeon-oh roughly brushed aside the bangs covering his eyes.

“What.”

Hyeon-oh replied curtly, sliding his phone into the space under his desk. Do-jin, who resembled a well-behaved large dog, grinned as if it were nothing.

“Ugly guy sure knows how to get girlfriends.”

“…You wanna die?”

When Hyeon-oh half-jokingly, half-seriously raised his fist, the guy sitting next to him laughed and shook his head.

“What a mess, damn it. He talks so differently behind your back.”

“Why? He’s ugly, isn’t he?”

“An ugly guy who never runs out of girlfriends and got jumped by a noona in middle school? That’s why they call you his wife.”

“What did I do?”

“You’re always nagging him, but whenever something happens, you’re the first to run to his side. Last time, you were jumping around saying you’d kill the girl who cheated on him.”

“Stop talking nonsense, you idiot.”

“Careful, or I’ll rip your tongue out, damn it.”

Do-jin replied lightly, leaning back against the desk as if it were a chair. His lazily lowered eyelashes cast long shadows. Just then, Hyeon-oh’s girlfriend replied, and he ducked his head to pull his phone out from under the desk. He could hear the conversation between the two nearby.

“You should stop being Hyeon-oh’s lackey and think about getting a girlfriend. My friend said she’s interested in you.”

“Not interested.”

“Huh? Why not?”

While Hyeon-oh’s fingers typed out how much he missed her, his gaze drifted toward Do-jin.

Do-jin was a head or a head and a half taller than his peers, with a sturdy body honed by sports. Even from the perspective of a childhood friend, he seemed decently good-looking. But come to think of it, Hyeon-oh had never seen Do-jin with a girlfriend.

“Do you have to date someone?”

“Is there something wrong with you down there?”

“It’s perfectly fine.”

“Then what, you like guys or something?”

“What a load of crap, huh?”

Hyeon-oh watched Do-jin and the friend bicker lightly, checking a text filled with hearts saying she missed him too. With a faint smile, he slid his phone back under the desk. Do-jin was looking at him with a displeased expression.

Hyeon-oh mouthed, “What?” Do-jin responded with a “Pfft,” sticking out his tongue with a cheeky expression, prompting Hyeon-oh to whisper sharply.

“Jealous?”

Do-jin’s face turned as if he’d heard the sky had split in half. Tch, tch, tch. Clicking his tongue for a while, his face flushed with disbelief. Then, in a voice only Hyeon-oh could hear, he shot back.

“Hey, I’ve got someone I like too, okay? And it’s going really well.”

“Who?”

“…Choi… no, Kim, no, Lee, Lee…”

Do-jin, with a face that screamed he was lying, mumbled some common last names before spouting something clearly made up.

“Lee Candy.”

“…If you’re gonna lie, at least make it convincing.”

“Damn it, it’s true!”

Do-jin huffed indignantly, but no one believed him.

 ***

Recalling those fragmented school memories, Hyeon-oh shook his head with a laugh. No way. There’s no way his best friend, who used to joke around and bicker with him, would deliberately deceive him. It didn’t make sense.

Hyeon-oh tried to shake off the chilling sensation creeping up his spine. Stretching and twisting his stiff waist, sore from tension and last night’s exertion, he flopped back onto the bed.

“No way.”

Muttering to no one in particular, Hyeon-oh closed his eyes tightly, as if to say, whatever.

Anxiety and suspicion crept up, but he chose to ignore them. There’s no way Yoo Do-jin would pretend not to remember everything.

And to begin with, Do-jin had no reason to. The initial hypothesis that he might be acting to avoid an awkward situation crossed Hyeon-oh’s mind, but he quickly dismissed it.

If Do-jin wanted to pretend, he wouldn’t have mentioned the name Hyeon-ji when Hyeon-oh playfully responded; he would’ve acted clueless from the start.

Do-jin remembered that night’s Hyeon-oh as a fictional woman named Hyeon-ji. If it came out that Hyeon-ji was actually Hyeon-oh, Do-jin would be the first to puke his guts out.

“…Yeah. No way.”

Hyeon-oh mumbled to himself, trying to steady his heart. But the fragile doubt trembling deep within wasn’t something he could easily suppress.

 ***

Thankfully, nothing happened over the weekend. There were moments when moving too vigorously made his hips ache, or when recalling that night with Do-jin turned his face bright red and made him kick his blankets, but aside from that, it was a peaceful weekend.

Monday came as usual. Hyeon-oh met his university friend Cheong-myeong on the same bus, cautiously heading to school, but nothing happened to justify his worries.

Cheong-myeong, who had recently started dating the noona he’d had a crush on for years, looked radiant. His constant happy smiles and occasional giggles while texting on his phone screamed someone whose first love had come true. He looked genuinely happy.

Hyeon-oh, who had given Cheong-myeong relationship advice a few times, actually didn’t like his friend’s crush. Even from a guy’s perspective, Cheong-myeong was handsome, with a strangely innocent side, and it felt unsettling that an old nine-tailed fox had snatched up such a naive guy.

Hyeon-oh didn’t like the woman who had casually “devoured” various things—sexually and otherwise—as a friend-with-benefits. He was annoyed that she was approaching Cheong-myeong, and he couldn’t understand what her older brother, who lived with her, was doing to allow it.

How could he stand by while his younger sibling, whom he practically raised, was being devoured by an old fox? If he were a grown adult with a discerning eye, he should’ve stopped it.

Hyeon-oh, who believed the ascetic and strict older brother would surely intervene, ignored the inexplicable pang in his heart.

But whatever his true feelings, Hyeon-oh wasn’t the type to say something mean to a happy friend.

Thanks to Hyeon-oh hiding his thoughts, the conversation naturally shifted to mundane topics. They talked about what they did over the weekend, what they ate, and other trivial matters. As they got off the bus, Cheong-myeong spoke up.

“Oh, right. How was the blind date?”

Since he’d turned down the blind date to be with his beloved noona, his tone was half apologetic, half curious. Hyeon-oh rolled his eyes and mumbled.

“It was whatever. Drank some alcohol and…”

Got drunk and slept with my best friend… His voice trailed off as he thought of that night with Do-jin, but he quickly changed the subject to seem nonchalant.

“…Hey, it was boring without you. Did you have fun with your girlfriend?”

“Sorry.”

“You just started dating, so I’ll let it slide. Next time, I’m dragging you along.”

Cheong-myeong, at a loss for words at Hyeon-oh’s playful tone, gave a silent smile. But Hyeon-oh knew. Cheong-myeong, a hopeless romantic with a surprisingly conservative side who had loved one person for years, wouldn’t be attending any blind dates while he was with his girlfriend.

Brushing back his dry bangs swept by the breeze, Hyeon-oh shoved his hands deep into his pockets and quickened his pace. Cheong-myeong asked casually, without suspicion.

“What about Do-jin hyung?”

“…Him? Well…”

“Hey! Choi Hyeon-oh!”

Hyeon-oh flinched, scrunching his brow. Speak of the devil, and he shall appear. The voice alone was unmistakable. Recognizing Hyeon-oh from behind was something Do-jin could do just as well.

Perhaps it was Do-jin’s voice, but a storm surged in Hyeon-oh’s heart, which he’d tried to keep calm over the weekend. He couldn’t pinpoint why. His body just stiffened instinctively.

“Cheong-myeong!”

“Hey, hyung. Good to see you.”

Even though he spoke casually with Do-jin, Cheong-myeong greeted him politely first. Hyeon-oh, still rigid, slowly turned around. It felt like his neck creaked like a robot’s.

His heart raced with an unidentifiable emotion—possibly anxiety. It was likely the feeling of prey standing before a predator. Hyeon-oh tried to calm his pounding chest, staring stiffly at Do-jin.

As expected of a physical education major, Do-jin was dressed casually as always. Wearing a black tracksuit with three white stripes, he sauntered over and, with a “Wah!” threw an arm around Hyeon-oh’s shoulders.

“Heading to class? Let’s go together.”

“Your class is different.”

“We’re going the same way, you punk.”

Do-jin playfully ruffled Hyeon-oh’s hair. Seeing Do-jin act so normal loosened the tension in Hyeon-oh’s shoulders, which had been prickling with guilt.

Yeah, I was worrying over nothing. The unconscious anxiety screaming, What if he figured it out? faded quickly.

“Hey, don’t touch me, jerk. I spent forty minutes on my hair this morning.”

“That’s it?”

“This guy, seriously…”

“Hyung went to the blind date too, right? How was it?”

Cheong-myeong, who had been watching their playful banter with a handsome, actor-like smile, asked in a friendly tone. It was the topic Hyeon-oh had been dreading most.

“Me?”

Do-jin’s voice suddenly dropped, becoming deep and serious. It was the kind of “handsome guy” voice Hyeon-oh absolutely despised. Letting go of Hyeon-oh’s messy hair, Do-jin shifted his weight to the arm around his shoulders, using him like an armrest, and flashed a smug grin.

“I met my soulmate.”

Hyeon-oh reflexively gagged into the air. Cheong-myeong, who secretly loved these kinds of stories, asked with sparkling eyes.

“Was there someone you hit it off with?”

Do-jin cleared his throat dramatically. Hyeon-oh could tell the dreaded topic was about to resurface.

“Nope.”

“No way. Me and Hyeon-ji…”

“He had a one-night stand.”

Despite the casual delivery, Cheong-myeong’s eyes widened like a rabbit’s, and he gasped. It was as if he’d heard something he shouldn’t have. Trying to compose his shocked expression, his face turned awkward. Do-jin whined petulantly.

“Hey, it wasn’t a one-night stand…”

“Let’s go.”

Hyeon-oh dragged Cheong-myeong along. Cheong-myeong, still managing his expression, followed obediently. Do-jin chased after them, protesting loudly.

“No, it wasn’t a one-night stand!”

“Yeah, sure.”

“Damn it… My heart’s breaking. Unlike some people, I don’t have a piercing on my nipple.”

“You bastard, why don’t you announce it to the whole neighborhood?”

“Really? Choi Hyeon-oh! On his left nipple! A pierc—”

Hyeon-oh threateningly raised his fist at Do-jin, who was about to shout it across the campus. Do-jin, grinning mischievously, took Hyeon-oh’s punches without flinching. The sudden commotion drew a few curious glances. Do-jin, laughing as if he were having the time of his life, kept chuckling.

“You damn idiot! Why don’t you beat a drum about it? Light a signal fire, damn it! Let everyone from Hanyang to Jeju know!”

Even while being hit, Do-jin laughed hysterically, and a third voice joined in—Cheong-myeong’s.

“…Why did you… pierce it…?”

Standing awkwardly behind them, Cheong-myeong asked hesitantly, as if confirming what he’d heard. His dazed voice suggested he wasn’t sure if he was speaking correctly, overwhelmed by learning his friend’s body secret. Hyeon-oh, still fuming, answered sharply.

“Ask your noona.”

Having finished pummeling Do-jin, Hyeon-oh strode over to Cheong-myeong, grabbed his arm, and practically fled the scene. Do-jin didn’t follow. He didn’t bring up “that night” again either.

Instead, in a low voice, he quietly reaffirmed their private promise.

“Choi Hyeon-oh.”

A chill ran down Hyeon-oh’s spine. It was a kind of instinct. Like a wary cat, he turned back with sharp eyes. Do-jin was simply staring at him.

For a moment, as Do-jin stood with the sun at his back, his broad shoulders seemed impossibly wide. Then, with an unreadable smile, he continued.

“Tonight, right?”

Hyeon-oh felt Cheong-myeong glance back. Biting his lower lip, Hyeon-oh gripped Cheong-myeongs arm tighter and quickened his pace. But Do-jin wasn’t done.

“Keep your promise.”

Hyeon-oh turned again, locking eyes with Do-jin through a hazy gaze. He gave a barely perceptible nod before turning away sharply. Cheong-myeong, whimpering beside him, muttered hesitantly.

“…Did something happen?”

“Nothing.”

Hyeon-oh replied lightly, letting out a small sigh before softening his tone to explain kindly.

“It’s really nothing. There was someone he hit it off with at the blind date, and he’s asking me to help with it.”

“Oh.”

Relieved by Hyeon-oh’s gentle explanation—the only male university friend he was soft with—Cheong-myeong’s anxious expression relaxed. It was a half-truth, half-lie. Whether he was worried about the bickering vibe between Do-jin and Hyeon-oh, Cheong-myeong quickly lost interest.

Hyeon-oh seemed to feel the same. They soon returned to their usual routine—going to the lecture hall, attending classes, eating lunch, and heading to more classes.

But even as he went through the motions of daily life, Hyeon-oh’s mind was consumed by Do-jin’s words about keeping the promise.

He’d said “tonight.” Somewhere deep in Hyeon-oh’s heart, an inexplicable anxiety stirred about how Do-jin would expect him to keep that promise.

It was hard to grasp. The earlier hypothesis that they might reenact the situation to jog his memory floated back, but it didn’t go further.

Did I make a mistake promising? Hyeon-oh briefly regretted it but soon steeled himself. Manipulating the big, dumb Do-jin was something he’d done plenty of times before.

Do-jin, straightforward and honest, was the type to go, “Heh, really?” whenever Hyeon-oh asserted something. Hyeon-oh usually held the reins, and that gave him confidence.

From what he’d seen of Do-jin so far, he’d probably just run around looking for Hyeon-ji. All Hyeon-oh had to do was vaguely “help” with that night, which he was sure he’d gotten Hyeon-ji’s number during, and keep up the lie with full commitment until Do-jin lost interest in “Hyeon-ji.”

Yeah. What’s the big deal about Yoo Do-jin? That simple-minded guy wouldn’t do anything complicated enough to make my head explode.

 ***

Do-jin showed up unannounced at Hyeon-oh’s place as the sun set. He’d said he’d come in the evening, but with no prior contact, Hyeon-oh had secretly hoped he’d forgotten the promise.

Since there was no sign of Do-jin, Hyeon-oh had already eaten dinner and just finished showering. He gave his sweat-drenched best friend, who barged in reeking, a side-eye.

“Ugh, it’s hot.”

Do-jin, dressed in a black tracksuit, stormed into the house with a clatter, holding a black plastic bag. The clinking sound and the glimpse of a green cap peeking out confirmed it was alcohol.

“I should start wearing short sleeves and shorts starting tomorrow. Running around in long sleeves made me sweat like crazy.”

“You brought alcohol?”

Hyeon-oh looked at the black plastic bag disapprovingly. Do-jin, acting as if he were at home, opened the fridge and started putting the alcohol inside.

“We agreed to reenact that night, didn’t we? We drank, so I brought some.”

“Do we have to drink? Can’t we just talk it through? What about class tomorrow?”

“Oh, right. Yeah. Well, too late, I already bought it. I’m gonna shower. Did you eat dinner?”

“Yeah.”

“Then cook me some ramen.”

“You’re dead.”

“Love you.”

Having said his piece, Do-jin naturally headed into the bathroom. Why do I feel like I’m raising a kid who doesn’t even exist? Hyeon-oh shook his head and opened the fridge to check the alcohol.

Two bottles of soju and a large beer pitcher. Clearly, he wasn’t thinking about going to school tomorrow. Hyeon-ji. That damn Hyeon-ji. In the studio apartment, where a thin, translucent curtain served as a door, Do-jin’s humming echoed.

Hyeon-oh let out a heavy sigh. The interest in Hyeon-ji that he’d hoped would fade over the weekend showed no signs of waning. He shouted through the sound of the shower’s pounding water.

“Should I cook two ramens or three?”

“Two!”

Do-jin’s voice, interrupting his humming, was brimming with excitement. He didn’t seem too hungry today. Hyeon-oh obediently placed a pot of tap water on the induction stove.

Thanks to the powerful induction, the water boiled quickly. Hyeon-oh grabbed two packs of ramen from the cupboard, tore them open, and added the soup base and dehydrated vegetables to the boiling water, breaking the noodles in half as he put them in.

He considered adding an egg but decided to save it since he wasn’t eating. While the ramen bubbled, Hyeon-oh, ever considerate unlike someone else, pulled out the oversized clothes Do-jin wore when staying over and placed them in front of the bathroom door.

By then, the ramen was perfectly cooked to a chewy texture. As Hyeon-oh set it on the small table, Do-jin emerged from the bathroom, fresh from his shower.

“Whoa. Smells amazing. Oh, clothes are here. Thanks.”

Hyeon-oh instinctively looked toward the voice but quickly turned his head back. Do-jin was completely naked.

It made sense—he’d come in sweaty clothes—but for some reason, Hyeon-oh’s face flushed. Before, seeing his childhood friend naked wouldn’t have fazed him, but after “that night,” it felt strange.

Hyeon-oh awkwardly sat down, trying to stop his thoughts from spiraling abnormally. The sound of Do-jin noisily putting on clothes filled the room. With his ears burning, Hyeon-oh asked casually.

“Should I get the alcohol?”

“Yeah. Let’s start with the beer. I’ll grab it.”

At Do-jin’s words, Hyeon-oh, who had half-lifted his hips, sat back down. Hyeon-oh returned to his seat, puzzled. Do-jin, still humming cheerfully, brought two glasses and the beer to the table.

“Let’s drink in moderation. I’ve got first period tomorrow.”

As soon as he set the glasses down, Do-jin opened the beer bottle with a hiss. Hyeon-oh spoke, but Do-jin didn’t seem to care.

“Whatever. Scoot over.”

Hyeon-oh, who had been leaning against the bed like a backrest, raised an eyebrow in confusion. Pouring the beer evenly into the glasses while half-bent over, Do-jin sat not on the opposite side but right next to Hyeon-oh. Too close.

“What are you doing?”

Fresh from the shower, Do-jin smelled of store-bought shampoo and faint water. Hyeon-oh instinctively shifted his hips to the side. Do-jin closed the gap as much as Hyeon-oh moved.

“We’re reenacting, aren’t we?”

Hyeon-oh pursed his lips uncomfortably. True, they had agreed to that. But Do-jin didn’t have to do it this way.

“We can just talk it out.”

“The memory’s fuzzy after the weekend.”

Do-jin started making ridiculous excuses. Hyeon-oh, looking at him like he was an immature younger sibling, let out a deep sigh.

Fine, I’ll play along. Resigning himself, Hyeon-oh decided. Do-jin quickly raised his glass. With a clink, they lightly tapped their glasses together, and Do-jin flashed a cryptic smile.

“Where do we start?”

“Hmm… How about my first meeting with Hyeon-ji?”

As if that ever happened. How was he supposed to reenact a first meeting with a fictional person? Hyeon-oh couldn’t wrap his head around it.

Doing all this wouldn’t help find someone who didn’t exist. Letting out another heavy sigh, Hyeon-oh spoke in a voice dripping with annoyance.

“Hello, I’m Hyeon-ji.”

“Hey, Hyeon-ji.”

Do-jin grinned like he was enjoying himself. Hyeon-oh tried to ignore the goosebumps forming and shot him a sullen, uncooperative look.

“How old is Hyeon-ji?”

“Twenty.”

What the hell am I doing? Hyeon-oh answered carelessly, showing his reluctance, but Do-jin didn’t seem to mind.

“Then I’m your oppa?”

Bullshit. Hyeon-oh couldn’t hide his disgust at Do-jin’s drawn-out, saccharine tone.

“…Yeah, I guess.”

“Oppa.”

“…Yeah, I guess, oppa.”

Hyeon-oh replied stiffly, spitting out the words like they were poison. Do-jin’s nostrils flared, clearly struggling to hold back laughter.

Gotta endure this. Hyeon-oh mentally chanted to himself, resisting the urge to flip the table. On second thought, this was a chance to figure out what Do-jin remembered about the fictional “Hyeon-ji’s” actions.

Do-jin’s hand slid around Hyeon-oh’s shoulders. A different kind of chill ran through him. The subtle caress felt like it came from a stranger.

“Wanna do a love shot, Hyeon-ji?”

Suppressing his anger, Hyeon-oh picked up his glass. Do-jin naturally linked their arms, pulling the glass toward himself. The heat from their touching arms was intense.

Do-jin’s lips trembled, barely containing a smile. Hyeon-oh gripped his glass tightly. Never in his life did he imagine doing a love shot with his best friend while calling him “oppa.” A faint clink escaped as Do-jin’s voice rippled softly.

“If we down this in one shot…”

No way. Hyeon-oh couldn’t hide his horrified expression. Do-jin, barely suppressing laughter, delivered his line.

“We’re dating?”

“…You and Hyeon-ji did that?”

“No.”

“Then why say something that didn’t happen?”

“‘Cause it’s funny seeing you obediently calling me oppa.”

“You bastard, you wanna die?!”

Finally, Hyeon-oh jumped up, shaking off Do-jin’s entangled arm. Do-jin burst into laughter, rolling on the floor.

Fuming from being teased, Hyeon-oh’s face turned bright red. Still angry, he stomped his feet a few times before grabbing the collar of Do-jin, who was still giggling hysterically.

“Choi Hyeon-oh’s so cute.”

“Hey, die! Drop dead!”

Do-jin wasn’t one to lose in strength. He countered Hyeon-oh’s hands, which were hitting his shoulders while gripping his collar, pinning them down. Hyeon-oh’s knees hit the floor. As Do-jin leaned back, Hyeon-oh, still clutching his collar, violently shook him.

“Just do what happened that night properly! Properly!”

“Alright, alright. Sorry.”

Still chuckling, Do-jin replied and reached out with his right hand. His large palm gently cupped the back of Hyeon-oh’s head. His fingers threaded through Hyeon-oh’s slightly dry blond hair.

Do-jin, still held by the collar, pulled Hyeon-oh toward him. At the same moment, something warm and soft touched Hyeon-oh’s lips.

It took exactly three seconds for Hyeon-oh to process what was happening. Frozen as their lips met, his face turned bright red in an instant.

“…Ah, th-this, crazy…”

Struggling belatedly, Hyeon-oh realized he couldn’t even speak properly in his panic. A tongue slipped between his parted lips. His body jolted as if electrocuted.

Do-jin wrapped his weight around Hyeon-oh, who flinched massively in his arms. Hyeon-oh’s grip on Do-jin’s collar loosened, then tightened again as he snapped back to reality.

Do-jin gently held Hyeon-oh’s hand, which was clutching his collar. Hyeon-oh flinched again, squirming, but there was no way he could overpower the muscle-bound idiot who’d spent his life training.

“Hey, shh, ugh… Ah!”

Soon, a strange sensation bloomed from his sensitive tongue. The fact that he was feeling something in this situation was mortifying. His face felt like it would explode from the heat.

His body lurched heavily, and with a thud, Hyeon-oh fell backward, his hips hitting the floor. The only reason he didn’t completely collapse was the bed.

Now, Do-jin loomed over Hyeon-oh, pressing down with his weight as he continued the kiss. The wet sound of saliva mixed with stifled groans echoed in the quiet studio apartment. The guy who’d supposedly lost his virginity just three days ago was kissing with surprising skill.

Yet, there was a faint clumsiness that, paradoxically, heightened the pleasure. Hyeon-oh, trying to dodge the soft flesh probing every sensitive spot in his mouth, let out a faint moan. Finally, he pushed Do-jin’s face away, breaking their lips apart.

“What, what are you doing?!”

Hyeon-oh’s voice trembled weakly as he shouted. He could feel his face burning hot.

Do-jin’s face, looming over him, was unfamiliar. It was raw, as if he’d shed a layer of social decorum, driven by desire. Noticing Hyeon-oh’s trembling eyes, Do-jin quickly reverted to his usual expression.

“You said to dive right into the reenactment.”

It didn’t take long to process what Do-jin meant. Hyeon-oh’s jaw dropped in shock.

He’d just realized the full scope of Do-jin’s “reenactment” of that night.

“…Crazy bastard. Hey, you really… Damn…”

Hyeon-oh felt like he’d become a native speaker of profanity. Every word that came out was a curse. It was absurd, outrageous, infuriating, and frustrating. Do-jin had clearly lost his mind, yet all Hyeon-oh could say was “damn.” The inability to articulate his emotions logically only fueled his anger.

“Hey, wait…!”

Then Do-jin reached for the shirt he was wearing. The oversized shirt on Hyeon-oh fit Do-jin perfectly. As Do-jin’s hand moved to the hem, Hyeon-oh stammered urgently, trying to stop him.

“N-n-no, I like girls!”

“Thanks for the introduction.”

“Damn it, why are you doing this?!”

Feeling Do-jin’s hot body temperature, Hyeon-oh shouted desperately, thrusting both arms out to block him. His palms met Do-jin’s solid shoulders. His body tilted backward, the firm mattress pressing against his lower back.

At this rate, they’d end up reenacting that night’s memories. Hyeon-oh had no intention of doing such a thing sober.

“Must be drunk.”

Do-jin, who hadn’t touched a drop of alcohol, lied shamelessly. Hyeon-oh felt like his sanity was slipping away. Only faint curses escaped his parted lips.

“Hey, hey, Yoo Do-jin. Do-jin-ah. We’re friends, right? Let’s not cross lines we shouldn’t. Hey! Damn it!”

Then Do-jin grabbed the beer glass he’d poured and downed it in one go. The sound of him gulping echoed as his Adam’s apple bobbed.

“…What do I do?”

Hyeon-oh, who had been frantically trying to stop Do-jin, could only watch as the lunatic roughly wiped his lips with the back of his hand.

“Drank some alcohol, and now I’m about to make a mistake.”

Speechless, Hyeon-oh’s mouth gaped. He knew Do-jin’s tolerance. On a good day, the guy could down three or four bottles of soju alone. There was no way one glass of beer would get him drunk.

Do-jin, eyes half-closed as if tipsy, lazily lifted his eyelids. He slowly reached for his T-shirt. The thin fabric came off easily. Hyeon-oh’s jaw dropped at the sight of the toned body revealed before him.

The heat radiating from his childhood friend’s body made his already flushed cheeks burn hotter. Hyeon-oh had to force his weakening arms to hold himself up.

“I won’t put it in. I won’t.”

Do-jin spoke as casually as if commenting on clear weather. For a moment, Hyeon-oh almost thought, Well, that’s a relief.

“…Why am I the one getting penetrated?”

Sure, a few days ago, he’d given his “new virginity” to his best friend, but Hyeon-oh felt a sudden sense of injustice. That night was a mistake. If he were sober, he’d obviously be the one on top. No, wait, that’s not the point…

Filled with inexplicable bravado and confusion, Hyeon-oh glared at Do-jin. A soft kiss landed on the corner of his lips. It felt like a big dog licking his cheek. Hyeon-oh scrunched his face, pulling away.

“I think I’m starting to remember.”

Do-jin muttered seriously, planting another kiss on Hyeon-oh’s cheek. Hyeon-oh, dazedly following Do-jin’s actions, quickly turned his head. But his captured face was showered with relentless kisses.

“How did it go with Hyeon-ji that night?”

Another smack as lips landed on the center of his cheek. It was hot, soft, and the fact that he was doing this with his childhood friend made his stomach churn. Teetering between discomfort and a strange sensation, Hyeon-oh’s lips met Do-jin’s again.

“Sucked on the lower lip like this…”

With a small whisper, a gentle pressure tugged at his lower lip. The sensation of being sucked in made Hyeon-oh squeeze his eyes shut. Do-jin, who’d been eagerly sucking, pulled back slightly. Hyeon-oh’s lips were already swollen.

“…Think I sucked on the tongue too…”

The warning was followed by action. As the soft sensation pushed in, Hyeon-oh wanted to die. It was half shame, half self-loathing.

“…Hm? Hyeon-oh.”

Saliva mingled, the wet sounds stark. Even in this absurd situation, his body responded faithfully, growing hard below. Swallowing the pitiful moans threatening to escape, Hyeon-oh mentally recited the national anthem, but it wasn’t enough.

Do-jin tasted faintly of bitter beer. The scent alone was intoxicating. Do-jin, straddling Hyeon-oh, pressed more of his weight down.

A large hand wrapped around the back of Hyeon-oh’s neck. Though he hated to admit it, amidst the discomfort and strangeness, Hyeon-oh felt a perverse thrill. He hadn’t realized he was this weak to desire.

Damn, damn, goddamn. Cursing profusely, Hyeon-oh squeezed his eyes shut. The devouring kiss had already stripped him of half his control. Unable to handle Do-jin’s relentless advance, Hyeon-oh pounded his chest, pushing him away. This time, Do-jin let himself be pushed.

“…Damn, ugh, you bastard…”

Panting heavily, Hyeon-oh glared at Do-jin, who was breathing roughly. The unfamiliar lack of composure on Do-jin’s face was eerie. His low, rumbling voice sent chills down Hyeon-oh’s spine.

“Hyeon-oh. I think I’m starting to remember.”

Despite his ragged breathing from arousal, Do-jin spoke clearly. Monster. Cursing inwardly, Hyeon-oh frowned at the absurd suggestion.

“If I suck on your piercing.”

“…You crazy bastard…”

A stranger’s fingers slipped under his clothes. The hot fingertips felt like they’d burn him. Hyeon-oh glanced down at his straining lower half, cursing again. Do-jin’s body pressed closer.

His lips trailed downward. Along the neck, over the faintly exposed collarbone, and to the peak of his chest felt through the fabric. Do-jin seemed to ask for permission while keeping Hyeon-oh aroused.

Muttering curses nonstop, Hyeon-oh squeezed his eyes shut so tightly he saw white spots. No matter how he thought about it, this was insane.

“Damn it, get off!”

With a surge of strength, Hyeon-oh shoved Do-jin away and sprang to his feet. His lower half, long pinned by Do-jin, ached in multiple ways.

Ignoring Do-jin, who sat pitifully, Hyeon-oh grabbed the half-flat beer. Unlike Do-jin, he hadn’t drunk any yet.

Staring at the amber liquid, Hyeon-oh brought the glass to his lips. The sharp carbonation stung his throat, but even as tears welled up, he drained the glass.

Hyeon-oh slammed the empty glass onto the table. Do-jin, mouth agape, stared at Hyeon-oh, who’d chugged the beer heroically.

“Hey.”

Hyeon-oh jerked his chin, pointing to the bed. Do-jin, still dazed, blinked and sat obediently.

“Strip.”

Do-jin clearly didn’t process the command. His face flushed red, one hand on his collar, blinking dumbly as if to say, Who started this?! Hyeon-oh cursed and yanked off his own shirt, tossing it aside.

The cool air hit his heated skin, making it tingle. The beer’s delayed effect must be kicking in. Hyeon-oh chose to believe that.

Roughly brushing back his disheveled blond hair, Hyeon-oh reached for the loose track pants he wore at home. They slid down easily.

Do-jin’s face and neck turned crimson at the impromptu strip show. He hadn’t expected Hyeon-oh to be so bold. Now the only one naked, Hyeon-oh snapped irritably.

“What are you doing? Strip!”

“Oh, uh!”

His response was as dumb as his face. What’s with the “uh”? Hyeon-oh grumbled inwardly as he climbed onto the bed. Do-jin, scrambling to his feet, tore off his shirt like he was ripping it apart. His broad shoulders and chiseled muscles came into view.

As Hyeon-oh’s knees sank into the soft bed, regret crept in. Scratching his cheek with a troubled expression, he reached for the remaining beer and chugged it straight from the bottle.

The sharp carbonation made his eyes water, but he downed the golden liquid until he exhaled heavily, pulling the bottle away.

By then, Do-jin had finished undressing and was hesitantly reaching for his drawers. Hyeon-oh, glancing at the massive bulge visible through the fabric, quickly looked away.

“Why are you taking those off?”

“Well… you usually take them off for this kind of thing, right?”

He wasn’t wrong, but Do-jin was the one who’d said he wouldn’t put it in. Exasperated, Hyeon-oh scowled.

“I don’t want to see your dangling junk.”

“Don’t hurt my baby’s feelings.”

“…Your ‘baby’ looks way too big for a baby.”

“Raised with love.”

Despite his words, Do-jin gave up on removing his drawers and climbed onto the bed. The single bed sagged precariously under the weight of two grown men, the cheap mattress creaking faintly.

Do-jin approached Hyeon-oh boldly. The beer-scented breath from his own exhales stung his nose. An awkward, embarrassing tension hung between them.

He’d boldly told Do-jin to strip, but now he had no idea what to do next. They’d been friends for too long.

Glancing at Do-jin, Hyeon-oh saw he was no better off. Do-jin was swallowing hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing repeatedly.

As expected, you couldn’t expect much from a guy who’d just lost his virginity a few days ago. His painfully hard lower half felt like it would burst, and Hyeon-oh, succumbing to desire first, sighed heavily and asked.

“What did you do with Hyeon-ji that night? You said sucking my chest would jog your memory.”

“…What are you saying…”

“If you’re gonna suck, do it already.”

Do-jin’s flushed cheeks betrayed his embarrassment as he covered his mouth with his palm. A brief silence followed. Seeing Do-jin acting all prim and proper alone gave Hyeon-oh a sense of defeat.

What are we even doing? Suddenly, everything felt tedious. Getting hard from kissing and touching, telling his childhood friend who wanted to reenact that night to suck his chest—Hyeon-oh felt like a slave to desire.

Sighing, Hyeon-oh lowered his head. The beer clearly wasn’t enough to endure this. Just as he was about to awkwardly call it quits, buzzed but not drunk, Do-jin spoke.

“Then… can I… kiss you?”

Do-jin asked, whining like a big dog waiting for its owner’s permission. Hyeon-oh, unable to hide his disbelief, asked bluntly.

“You’re not gonna suck my nipple?”

“I’m shy…”

“You?”

It was the first time he’d ever heard that. Shy Do-jin with a nipple piercing. Hyeon-oh felt a headache coming on.

“…Just do whatever, man.”

“Do whatever?”

“Get it over with.”

Waving his hand dismissively, Hyeon-oh closed his eyes for Do-jin, who was still hesitating. Maybe because they were childhood friends, he felt more nervous than ever. His eyelashes trembled with tension.

He could feel Do-jin hesitating multiple times through the warmth of his body. If you’re gonna do it, just keep it playful like before. Why get all serious now?

As the tension spread to Hyeon-oh, stiffening his body, hesitant lips cautiously touched his. Do-jin, simply pressing their lips together for a while, leaned slightly into Hyeon-oh.

As Hyeon-oh’s balance tipped backward, he braced himself with his hands. Do-jin’s tongue slipped through the small gap. Their swollen lower halves brushed against each other.

Once their tongues tangled, Do-jin inhaled sharply, his rough breathing betraying his excitement. The movement of the soft flesh grew more intense.

Hyeon-oh, one hand on the bed and the other pulling Do-jin’s neck, felt his body collapse quickly. A bad premonition hit, and he clung tightly to Do-jin’s neck, but it was too late. With a thud, Hyeon-oh’s head hit the wall.

“Ow!”

A sharp pain surged. Seeing stars from the impact, Hyeon-oh hurriedly pulled his lips away. But Do-jin, eager to continue, pressed his lips back urgently. As Hyeon-oh writhed from the pain in his head and the pleasure rising within, Do-jin broke the kiss, exhaling roughly, and moved downward.

“Ugh… Hnng…”

Hyeon-oh clenched his teeth, stifling the moans. Do-jin’s lips kissed near his jaw, tickling down his neckline.

Leaning against the wall, Hyeon-oh could see Do-jin clearly. Glancing down, he saw Do-jin’s broad, muscular back heaving. As Do-jin moved lower, each spot his lips touched burned.

Finally, Do-jin’s lips reached the peak of Hyeon-oh’s chest. Hyeon-oh’s shoulders trembled slightly. Do-jin’s lips teased the pale pink tip, then met Hyeon-oh’s eyes.

Hyeon-oh, unwittingly looking at Do-jin with teary eyes, quickly fixed his expression. But Do-jin had already seen it. A mischievous glint appeared in his eyes.

Do-jin playfully stuck out his tongue, his eyes crinkling. The wet tongue flicked the silver piercing. A surge of heat from beneath his skin made Hyeon-oh flush instantly.

“Hey, ugh…”

Do-jin didn’t stop. His tongue poked at the piercing, then licked over the nipple. The chilling sensation made Hyeon-oh shudder. His hand, at a loss, moved to his mouth.

Soon, the wet, warm inside of Do-jin’s mouth enveloped the nipple. Hyeon-oh unwittingly bit the back of his hand. The lewd slurp sounded lascivious.

The sensation of being sucked and gently nibbled without pain was electrifying. Do-jin rolled the pale pink tip with his tongue while his other hand teased the other nipple. His hand softly kneaded the flat chest, flicking the hardened nipple.

“Ah! Ugh, damn…”

Stimulated simultaneously, Hyeon-oh’s hips bucked. Do-jin glanced up at the curses, meeting Hyeon-oh’s eyes.

Embarrassed, Hyeon-oh gritted his teeth, rolling his eyes. The pierced nipple, thanks to Do-jin’s sucking, was abnormally swollen. Do-jin playfully licked the engorged nipple.

“Hnng… The memory…”

“Hmm…”

Do-jin dragged out the sound. Idly focusing on Hyeon-oh’s nipple, he rolled the other between his thumb and forefinger, then grinned brightly.

“Oh, guess this isn’t jogging my memory.”

Forgetting the rising pleasure, Hyeon-oh felt a surge of intense irritation. With fury, he shoved Do-jin’s shoulder hard. Of course, the rock-solid body didn’t budge.

“If you don’t remember, get off.”

Looking down, Hyeon-oh saw the swollen nipple, redder than the other, with a tingling current radiating from the piercing bar beneath the skin.

A sudden fear hit. Will I have mismatched nipples forever? Hyeon-oh clutched the pierced side, inspecting it. He felt utterly worn out.

“Damn you, it’s swollen! It hurts!”

His whining voice carried a sob. Still holding his chest, Hyeon-oh glared at Do-jin with sharp eyes. Do-jin, cheeks flushed, stared back, then suddenly pursed his lips and exploded in anger.

“Hey, damn it, Choi Hyeon-oh!”

“What, why, what! Damn it!”

“Argh! I’m so pissed! I’m losing it!”

Do-jin shouted, stomping as if he’d slam his head into the wall. Hyeon-oh, baffled, stared at his childhood friend’s sudden outburst.

“Stop yelling, idiot! The walls aren’t soundproof!”

“Then stop doing sexy stuff!”

“…What, what?”

Nearly biting his tongue, Hyeon-oh’s eyes widened. He’d never imagined such words coming from Do-jin’s mouth, leaving him stunned, like a cat hearing a dog bark.

“You, damn it, don’t let other people touch your chest! Just touch! If they touch, I’ll, I’ll…”

When would I ever let someone else touch me?! But Hyeon-oh’s thoughts were cut short. Do-jin grabbed his wrist, yanked him close, and climbed on top.

Hyeon-oh, hitting his head on the bed’s headboard again, teared up from the stinging pain.

“Ow!”

“Oh, sorry.”

Do-jin’s half-hearted apology was followed by a kiss that felt like he was biting. Likely trying to lay Hyeon-oh flat, the strong but inexperienced brute had made him hit his head again.

“Hey, ugh…!”

Hyeon-oh’s rebellious words were swallowed by Do-jin’s lips. The reckless guy dove in aggressively. Unlike the ticklish, pleasant kisses with past girlfriends, this one melted Hyeon-oh into a panting mess with its suction and firmness.

He’d thought kisses were soft and nice, but he was wrong. Hyeon-oh felt like a herbivore half-chewed and spat out, drenched, from a predator’s maw. He was exhausted.

Do-jin didn’t seem much better. While Hyeon-oh panted from low lung capacity, Do-jin, like a boy discovering masturbation, couldn’t control the heat boiling inside him.

Lost in the ecstasy of his first taste, Do-jin had no composure. His clumsy, impatient hands tugged at Hyeon-oh’s drawers. Hyeon-oh, facing the crisis of being stripped naked, desperately clung to the waistband.

“What are you doing?!”

“No, I can’t take it.”

Do-jin, neck flushed red, panted heavily. The heat from his breath was scorching.

“Quick… spread your legs.”

“What?”

“Hurry! Hurry!”

Do-jin whined. Hyeon-oh briefly wondered when he’d acquired a son. Do-jin’s behavior resembled a child at a toy aisle in a weekend supermarket.

“No, you said you wouldn’t! And why do I have to offer my ass?!”

“Just once. Please, just once!”

Do-jin rubbed his forehead against Hyeon-oh’s shoulder, whimpering. Hyeon-oh felt his arousal cool rapidly.

What kind of guy is this? Hyeon-oh lamented his past decade of friendship. Gaping like a fish out of water, he was even more dumbfounded by Do-jin’s teary eyes.

“My… my thing’s gonna explode…”

Only then did Hyeon-oh notice the massive sensation against his thigh. He’d thought it was the leg of his teddy bear, Kim Sally, tangled on the bed. Flinching, Hyeon-oh jerked his hips back, feeling Do-jin’s erect member press blatantly against him.

“I’m going crazy. Hyeon-oh, please… I’m dying…”

Do-jin’s whining voice grew lower. The fading sound sent chills down Hyeon-oh’s spine. The rubbing sensation as Do-jin slowly moved his hips was unnerving.

“Just once… please, just once. One time…”

Do-jin groaned like a terminally ill patient. His pitiful, drenched-puppy-in-a-storm look was pitiable, but Hyeon-oh, the target of that pity, had to stay cold.

“You lunatic, where do you think you’re sticking that massive thing?!”

“I’ll do it so good, okay?”

The guy who’d just lost his virginity was all talk. Hyeon-oh tried to push Do-jin off, but the rock-hard body wouldn’t budge.

“If you don’t remember, get off!”

“…Ugh, hnn…”

Do-jin, who’d been whimpering, started crying for real. Hyeon-oh was floored. Do-jin, who’d lived for sports, never shed a tear—not during brutal team hazing, not under intense training, not even when chewed out by seniors.

Wiping his eyes roughly with the back of his hand, Do-jin left glistening tear tracks on his cheeks.

“Are you crying?”

“I’m not!”

Do-jin, voice nasal, glared at Hyeon-oh with teary eyes. His resentful face was streaked with tears.

“…You’re such a jerk, damn it. Letting me do everything else. My dick’s gonna explode, I’m telling you.”

The heat from Do-jin’s member rubbing against Hyeon-oh’s thigh was unnaturally intense. Wiping his tears again, Do-jin muttered.

“It hurts… it’s agonizing…”

His pitiful, tearful expression was heart-wrenching. Do-jin’s broad shoulders slumped pathetically as he sniffled.

“If I do it with you just once, I think I’ll remember Hyeon-ji’s number… 010… 6989… 2…”

What kind of guy is this? Utterly exasperated, Hyeon-oh waved his hand at Do-jin’s teary gaze. He’d finally caved to Do-jin’s childish tantrum.

“Damn it, fine. Do whatever you want. Ugh, shit.”

Grumbling, Hyeon-oh pushed Do-jin’s shoulder. The body that had been so immovable slid back easily. Do-jin’s tail-wagging, eager-puppy vibe was palpable. Hyeon-oh hooked his fingers into his half-lowered drawers.

The nearly torn drawers came down easily. Now fully naked, Hyeon-oh glanced at his half-deflated lower half, then at Do-jin. Do-jin’s Adam’s apple bobbed visibly, like he was facing a delicious meal.

“What are you doing? Hurry up!”

“Huh? Oh, uh… lotion. Lotion.”

Do-jin scrambled up, rushing to the desk with a clatter, then returned with a thud. Climbing back onto the bed, he eagerly poured lotion onto his hand, grinning like an idiot.

“So damn good. Oh, damn. Yes.”

Hyeon-oh, biting his lip to hide his embarrassment, turned his hips. His elbows and arms sank into the soft bed.

“Get ready. Your hyung’s gonna blow your mind…”

Do-jin’s strange rambling cut off. Hyeon-oh, now fully positioned, shot a glance at the dumbfounded Do-jin.

“…….”

Silence fell. The reason was clear. The doggy-style position was uncomfortable and embarrassing, but it was far better than facing Do-jin sober.

Do-jin seemed to forget his shame. His wide-eyed, virgin stare looked like his eyeballs might pop out.

His heated gaze scorched Hyeon-oh’s skin. Feeling like prey before a beast, Hyeon-oh realized he was exactly that.

His tense back stiffened. Where’s the guy who lunged like a beast earlier? The sudden silence and stillness made Hyeon-oh uneasy.