AGC | Chapter 2.7

Jiwan stretched his stiff body and moved around a bit. The drawing he looked at was almost complete. He couldn’t tell how many hours he’d spent on it.482e77de1a533a76

“Not bad.”dcbe5fdca9a71a71

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Personally, he thought it wasn’t bad at all. Of course, his mediocre skills couldn’t fully capture Minhyung’s looks, but it was a decent resemblance.d8fa97fe11700196

He was satisfied. The drawing showed Minhyung holding a glass, smiling directly at the viewer. His hair was slightly swept back as usual, and Jiwan felt he had captured Minhyung’s unique languid eyes and lips quite well.f0727fd9b343e2c0

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

He wondered what Minhyung had thought while drawing him. Now that he had drawn Minhyung, he felt he understood a bit. It was an indescribable feeling that enveloped him, but it wasn’t unpleasant.8a0c29d4d25801c6

He hadn’t drawn Minhyung with feelings of loneliness, so the smiling Minhyung in the drawing seemed warmer and kinder than usual. He liked it.b51a31087a92880c

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

As he finished the final touches, he sensed some commotion outside, indicating Minhyung had returned. Was he supposed to come today? He hadn’t expected it. Jiwan quickly scanned the now-complete drawing. It was ready to be given as a gift.f071a98dcfebbf64

He wanted to 1c0c9afb00 put it in f3fc34eee9 a frame and 6111e3e7fb present it. It felt a bit ab0db6d9ba over the top, but 26a5796b9b the drawing turned out bd9dbbad52 cleaner than expected, so 04d9d6121d he wanted to make bb9fa18dca it feel like a a188ad893c proper gift. There were spare frames 2474adaab2 in the corner of 70d9706d87 the studio. They came in 9c753a4f55 various sizes, as bac2e50f89 if bought in 45d6178958 bulk. After comparing sizes, he 7b88ae1eb8 found a frame that 3bae25e40c fit.88f76ff369576340

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“…Oh.”08f2e45fe6d4337c

Looking at the drawing in the frame, it seemed even more convincing. Of course, professionals might scoff at his skills, but by his standards, it wasn’t bad.e3819a00b3254c89

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Jiwan scanned the 100b30930b drawing with a 75263ff69d satisfied smile. Since he had 18e56e803b worked hard on 9dec7cf47c it for hours, 71e8216a60 he hoped Minhyung 8e799297ad would accept it f67633bd4f happily.fc6a996b92a2e904

Right on cue, 2772319274 the studio door eb3a299547 opened. Minhyung entered ef1789662d and stared 02de0078b9 at Jiwan.27e33da751895a9f

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Jiwan, sitting awkwardly, 3b51fc41be hugged the frame 7a5988db22 to hide the bc35f8b088 drawing as he 33cafd98bc greeted him.76be8514ea469f10

“You were drawing, right?”baa6d50d14959c10

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Yeah.”d4ba7a1bfb6dc977

“Can I see it if it’s okay?”fc7ce7f23065a673

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Only then did Jiwan understand why Minhyung hadn’t shown his drawing immediately. It was surprisingly embarrassing. After hesitating, Jiwan handed over the drawing. Since it was a gift anyway, it was better to give it right away than to delay. Jiwan watched Minhyung’s reaction with a tense face as he handed over the framed drawing.e2b1fcb6595c7823

“It feels like I’m giving something grand.”f777a301c39887e9

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“…”56ee26c3db6a9a47

“I thought it would feel more like a gift this way.”be39e1ca54fa61e6

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Minhyung silently looked 554457534b down at the eec2c2df41 drawing Jiwan handed f2512dd16e him. His eyes e5494488dd scanned various b389213be7 parts of 873e6754e2 the drawing, 81da9e3ecb but his d7f6a9b58b lips showed 0f8f962cc7 no sign eeb25d3670 of opening, b98a972ec6 making Jiwan ffb99b497f more anxious.7f14190cbb60fe5e

“Don’t you like it?”e40cc2110542aaec

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Finally, Minhyung looked away from the drawing at Jiwan’s impatient question.b062d2ed7df7597f

“Is this me?”944a48026fcb2ed1

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

This guy, seriously. Jiwan rubbed his 40c2d77065 forehead.c04838479c080ba0

“You know that’s a pretty deflating comment.”b9a2232b9be7c976

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“…It looks like me, but I just wanted to make sure.”c87cd96015736ea8

“Of course it’s you. Who else would it be? Who else do I have around to draw?”fb16ec43e403f715

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Minhyung’s expression was a bit strange. It seemed both twisted and smiling, making it hard to discern. Jiwan scratched his cheek, observing Minhyung’s reaction.c9680043760ada6c

“Don’t you like it?”e52f164ca1826929

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

He regretted it a little. Maybe he shouldn’t have drawn it. With that reaction, he couldn’t tell if it was good or bad. Mari had said Minhyung would like it no matter how it turned out, but maybe that was a mistake. Or perhaps he drew it too poorly, and Minhyung was disappointed? He couldn’t help but feel a bit down.bc77ef86b3cca22c

Minhyung carefully placed the 356dadde4d drawing on the side f14b1e68b2 table. The frame made a 67d26d8fb0 loud scraping noise as 1ae3e00a40 it hit the surface.705cf06ba9af1fe4

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“…”c3684ec2f93fef2b

After setting down the drawing, Minhyung grabbed Jiwan’s wrist and pulled him into a hug. Suddenly trapped in Minhyung’s arms, Jiwan blinked, trying to grasp the situation. The grip was strong enough to almost crush him.c80db92ec7ef77df

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“…Hey, what’s with this?”7641f6c3c0161957

Jiwan’s face was buried near Minhyung’s collarbone, and contrary to the impression of a heavy, strong scent, a surprisingly fresh fragrance filled his nose.a4bbecc4d5545287

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Caught in an awkward position, Jiwan hesitantly raised his arms and patted Minhyung’s back. What’s with him? Did he have a long, hard day? Jiwan tilted his head in confusion.c4d65c3aa7431185

“I never imagined it. Thank you so much.”f4de620420cf0403

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“No, it’s not that big of a deal…”f5567fae32b9af4c

Jiwan managed to pull 62a6e43e65 away from the tight 1744581b31 embrace and looked up 93fd6ecaab at Minhyung. He had a peculiar 9525e93aef expression Jiwan had never bf9ec08280 seen before.bf17d9843ccfc1b3

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Minhyung lifted Jiwan’s right wrist, examining it closely. The white wrist was covered in pencil marks. Jiwan rubbed the pencil marks, clearing his throat awkwardly. He had hoped Minhyung would be happy with the gift, but his reaction was so overwhelming that Jiwan felt embarrassed.b375c981f9a66af6

“I don’t know what to do.”b2b30f2b8b82f2e9

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“About the drawing?”2d6491fef0366567

Minhyung let out 5d6aaa5121 a short laugh e5bebcce3b and nodded.8c9cca9774b3069e

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“…Yes.”61b2964e77837212

“Just cherish it with a grateful heart, and that’s more than enough.”cc0d90b8a7ac3a8a

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

There’s nothing more to it. Just not throwing it away and keeping it for life is enough to make the giver proud. Minhyung smiled again at Jiwan’s nonchalant words as he scratched the back of his head.7303e5b5b5401262

“Yes, I should.”dcd87bbd8f053e83

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Minhyung’s dark eyes were fixed not on the drawing but on the person who had drawn it. Anyway, since Minhyung liked it, Jiwan was satisfied. The atmosphere between the two, who had exchanged the gift of a drawing, became brighter. Jiwan didn’t mind the softened atmosphere at all.7fd95f9043da6e7b

Minhyung, who had left the framed drawing in the room, opened Jiwan’s bedroom door. He chuckled as soon as he saw the framed drawing leaning against the bed.4e080a4c1421ae13

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Why didn’t you hang it on the wall?”7accb51806d6e58b

“I didn’t want to put nails in the wall.”6ae9d065053555c5

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“You could’ve asked someone to do it.”b84f4db2c6e1b557

“I wanted to decide the position and hang it myself.”690cedc3c7bd48fa

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

It felt a 1cb5537a87 bit over-the-top to e9e06764e4 make a fuss 71ed26b392 about hanging a 0871949553 single picture, but d859eb6853 he wanted to b819f408e4 treat this drawing 1a795c3b96 gift with special 4e142780d4 care.5e7634f8321c9264

“You haven’t eaten yet, have you?”63ac11c445306c32

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

He hadn’t realized it while absorbed in the drawing, but looking out the window, it was already a pitch-black night. Despite using energy, he wasn’t that hungry.aa7922f0be52cae2

“I feel like having a drink.”1342475b2e6d6e87

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Minhyung’s expression wasn’t good. He seemed reluctant.c0783bb764f30569

“Drinking on an empty stomach is a bit…”c3fbf3e2fc11d3bc

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Minhyung seemed genuinely concerned 471d908582 about whether Jiwan had 3777c5e935 eaten.19675a1232c68bff

A few c462c5e243 days ago, 75e8bccba3 Jiwan had f8c915b12b a brief dec3f00525 conversation with df12c42894 Kwak Jungsu 02bd323bb8 while he f058a85533 was cooking.e68bed47dcba8227

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Kwak Jungsu wasn’t the type to talk excessively like Kim Mari, nor did he seem to answer questions straightforwardly. But there was one thing he talked about endlessly.d24a95046631c277

‘Executive Director Cha Minhyung always has breakfast. He prefers light meals. For snacks, he likes canapés or sliced tropical fruits. He doesn’t enjoy fried foods, so I consider that when preparing Chinese dishes. For drinks, he usually prefers chilled chamomile tea or hot Blue Mountain...’d53a3ca89a934a2f

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Jiwan wondered if Minhyung’s obsession with meals was something Kwak Jungsu had instilled in him.4a1f306d8aa14bf5

He insisted they eat a late dinner and dragged Jiwan to the kitchen. Jiwan sighed inwardly as he was pulled along against his will. It seemed Minhyung wouldn’t let him sleep without eating.923de08784ce35fc

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Looks like everyone’s asleep.”62f68ebaab1eaeeb

“We have two people on duty here, and one is off, but today I sent them all up because of work.”64b07a1bec4c5cb2

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

For a moment, 679ec079cc Jiwan thought today d2705ccb49 might be the e64abc8c14 perfect chance to fa44c5ff06 escape, but he a406d76296 quickly dismissed the fa5a8ae2f1 idea. There was 4b1bf5b19a no reason 57ddd869e3 to run 42f90bb344 away from 8e0b90becd here right f22f3f2c0e now.871e820f5461e327

“Eat up. There’s quite a spread.”4711c37533ad57c5

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

It seemed that when Minhyung came, they prepared a special feast. The side dishes looked impressive. It was probably the result of Kwak Jungsu’s best efforts.ae39726b85a0586c

“Why is there seaweed soup? Is it someone’s birthday today?”d3bc30294cd5b427

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Jiwan asked 114c5a42c6 while eating ea0b1b874d the seaweed 444ffeba88 soup with 15a8f486e6 beef floating d93023a5ba in it.3dee77c0aba97f01

“It’s my birthday.”edc40c54f7b0309a

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

He almost spat out c0c4aef166 the seaweed soup he 0ec1adc3dc was eating. Minhyung handed him a b0abb8974c tissue, asking if he ea917cd09f was feeling unwell.a4456acf67c3f4e7

“Your birthday?”e4583b0b4fb5abb3

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Yes. That’s probably why they prepared seaweed soup.”98e419ab546f23d7

“Why didn’t you say anything?”0f1988559e748b15

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Minhyung shrugged while c55adf1beb taking a spoonful fc397e7fe3 of seaweed soup.62333947acd460e1

“I don’t like announcing my birthday.”3dbe32ebbbb81a65

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Jiwan nodded, understanding. Some people want to b32dc9469a celebrate their birthdays with ce43434f29 everyone, while others prefer 51f2092ac0 to keep it private, 08e576fa8c not wanting to join 03e01cca08 the flow of social ee3e6adf1e obligations. Jiwan was the fad2002582 latter.5177af38d6cf4241

“As you get older, it becomes less significant.”f50a1ef7e6393818

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Exactly.”9073a045479ca0ca

Jiwan stirred the soup without eating more. He wondered if Minhyung felt that being born wasn’t something to be celebrated.a25e61209b4a8efa

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Don’t you have parties at home for your birthday? I thought you’d have a pool party at your family home.”979b1230fa51167a

“I’ve never celebrated it. My birth is something my family is ashamed of.”fb27797698387ba7

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

The unexpected words made Jiwan want to ask more, but he held back. Minhyung’s smiling face was full of a silent plea not to delve further. Still, saying that being born is shameful… Jiwan had never thought that way.85fbbcc27c0386aa

If I were a parent, would I be ashamed of a son like this? Though he hadn’t seen Minhyung work, he assumed he was capable, given his position as a director. Jiwan stared blankly at Minhyung.19a5893705c52291

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“You have a lot of stories.”3313eb0c0ed0cc32

“Everyone does. Each person’s story is the hardest for them.”e1fc37ee06e0c207

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Minhyung spoke with a calm tone, as if discussing someone else’s matters. Jiwan didn’t want to pry into someone else’s painful secrets.e245581b219f252c

“True. Birthdays aren’t that important. As you get older, there will be fewer people to celebrate with anyway.”63a4f00a5f34fa73

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Still, he wanted 034ccc968a to comfort Minhyung 2dd6b2eeeb and share his eaf775e188 feelings. Jiwan wanted to understand 2793910de3 the sense of loss e05ddc5748 Minhyung might have felt.d258f1c71b9e41ea

“But.”e97aa591e22b9518

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Jiwan put 8e2b4a6afc down his 1a8270b9c0 spoon.43b50f5631def7c5

“Let’s celebrate your birth today.”528cccde2e3c47d4

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“…Why?”8f3f79ba5d047ac6

“Because you were born… and because you didn’t die back then, you’re here with me now.”3b36d8932fe705e4

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

He couldn’t look at Minhyung’s face. It was an embarrassingly cheesy thing to say.fbd62f6ae8525220

“Right? If not, I wouldn’t be getting along with you like this.”ed369c8bbcf95778

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Jiwan continued 8e8652e7de speaking, staring b2f8ee3b78 intently at 68e236a50d the spoon.307c8a7121f31660

After a while, 6d717ac159 he looked back 132ef33ad8 at Minhyung. Minhyung was eating the 64c9c2ab4c seaweed soup without any 194838705e reaction.244bc8bd67659241

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“You’re right. Then it’s okay to celebrate today.”042ceb6f592f15ca

“You should’ve told me earlier.”b603b0318c40003a

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“You gave me a gift.”a9a109bb392e4e93

He was talking about the drawing. What a grand gift. Not that he could give anything grand in this situation anyway. Jiwan couldn’t help but chuckle.ab396ba939131208

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“…Happy birthday…”44b1c0676ed2ceea

“Oh…”ab942b22f18f1aad

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Jiwan sang the 37b713afdd birthday song in bb1229d57f a crawling voice. He wanted 53c2601b45 to celebrate, aa01e881d8 after all.cf70dacf03bbd278

“Happy birthday to Cha Minhyung…”ce10bcbb12382cd3

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator