MYFL | Chapter 2.6

Even when he subtly shifted his body to the side, Seungjae’s eyes remained fixed on him. Drunk and persistent, huh.

“…Woojoo would be shocked.”

Unable to endure that intense stare any longer, Beomchan muttered as he zipped his jacket all the way up.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Who do you think I drank because of…?”

Seungjae mumbled something under his breath, barely audible.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

“Huh?”

The background noise was too loud, and Beomchan couldn’t catch it clearly. He turned back, expecting an answer, but Seungjae didn’t repeat himself.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

“He’s completely wasted.”

One of the real estate managers sitting across the table chuckled as he looked at Seungjae, then turned to Beomchan.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

“You two know each other, right? Do you know where he lives?”

At that, Seungjae finally broke his stare and looked away. He slurred out his response in a voice that was now soft and pliant from the alcohol.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

“It’s fine… I’ll just call for a substitute driver….”

“Aren’t there any people who can come pick you up?”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

Beomchan asked instinctively. It was a vague question, but in his mind, there was a specific person he was referring to. Someone who should be coming to get him.

Seungjae echoed his words under his breath before shaking his head.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“No one.”

What the hell?

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

A surge of heat rushed to Beomchan’s head.

Was his partner seriously that busy that they couldn’t even come pick up their drunk significant other?

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

But substitute driving wasn’t an option. Seungjae was barely able to sit up straight—what if something happened while he was being driven home?

Everyone had drunk quite a bit, so even after leaving the bar, they lingered outside, reluctant to part ways. A few lit cigarettes and continued chatting, dragging out their night.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Seungjae, who had been wandering unsteadily among them, eventually flopped down on a short pillar near the crosswalk. His upper body wobbled precariously, like he could tip over at any second.

If he smashed his head open, then what?

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Beomchan, watching him with rising anxiety, clicked his tongue and muttered to himself before stepping closer to him.

Seungjae sat apart from the group, listening to their conversation like a spectator. Occasionally, he let out a silly laugh or pursed his lips in mild interest.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Even as he sat there, seemingly detached, his fingers were idly fiddling with something. Beomchan only realized what it was when he got closer. It was a business card for a substitute driver service from the bar counter.

So he still had the presence of mind to pick that up, huh.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“Where’s your car key?”

Beomchan asked, but Seungjae, caught up in the group’s chatter, didn’t respond.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Beomchan lightly tapped his shoulder, drawing his attention. Then he repeated in a lower voice, “Your car key.”

Finally, Seungjae absently patted the outside of his coat pockets, then pulled out the key from a bulging pocket. Beomchan held out his hand.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

“Are you planning to drive me home?”

Seungjae looked down at the outstretched hand, tilting his head slightly as he asked.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Beomchan hesitated for a moment. It was hard to gauge what Seungjae meant by that. Was he questioning his intentions? This wasn’t exactly crossing a line—anyone would be concerned about a drunk acquaintance’s safety.

After a brief pause, Beomchan nodded.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Reliable.”

Seungjae chuckled, his eyes curving into a soft smile as he handed over the keys without resistance.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“When did you grow up enough to be driving your seonsaengnim home…?”

It sounded more like a muttered thought than something directed at him, but Beomchan still felt his grip on the key tighten.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

He’s just drunk. Just ignore it.

“Ahjussi, I’ll take him home.”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Beomchan turned to Boss Im, who still looked like he had no intention of leaving.

“You’re not calling a substitute driver? You haven’t been drinking, have you?”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“I didn’t even take a sip. What, you think I’m crazy enough to drink and drive?”

Normally, when he joined a drinking party late, he would at least have a glass or two to match the atmosphere. He hadn’t planned to stay sober tonight either. But after seeing Seungjae like this, drinking had completely lost its appeal.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

He hadn’t intended to be his chauffeur. He just figured at least one of them needed to keep their head clear.

“Well, if Beomchan’s taking him, that’s perfect.”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

The real estate manager, who had been quietly listening, chimed in. She then turned to Boss Im and gave his arm a teasing slap, her lips twitching into a knowing smirk.

It was obvious she was misunderstanding something.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

She was known for being a gossip. Through her, Beomchan had unwillingly heard a ton of stories about other people’s private lives. A good number of them weren’t even true. And no matter how many times people told her to stop, if the complaint didn’t come from the person involved, she barely paid attention.

To prevent any weird rumors from spreading, Beomchan hardened his expression deliberately, making it cold enough to be intimidating.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“Ah, don’t start weird rumors. I mean it. I’ll be really pissed.”

“Okay, okay. Jeez, scary.”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

She winced, shaking her head with a sheepish look. That should be enough to keep her from spreading nonsense.

“I’m heading out.”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“Drive safe at night.”

“Yes.”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

After saying his goodbyes, Beomchan returned to Seungjae.

The older man was slumped forward, fiddling with his phone. He looked like he was in the middle of sending a message. But the moment Beomchan got close, he sensed him and quickly shoved the phone back into his pocket.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

“You said your goodbyes?”

“Yeah. Can you walk?”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Of course.”

To prove it, Seungjae pushed himself off the pillar. His steps were wobbly, but he wasn’t at the point where he needed support.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Beomchan stayed close behind, watching him carefully as they made their way to the parking lot.

Just as Seungjae was about to head toward the driver’s seat out of habit, Beomchan stopped him and directed him toward the passenger side instead.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

After closing the door behind him, Beomchan walked around the front of the car and got into the driver’s seat. By the time he sat down, Seungjae had already buckled his seatbelt and was leaning his head against the headrest, eyes closed.

You still need to tell me your address before you fall asleep.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Beomchan glanced at his peaceful face in slight frustration. He reached out to shake his shoulder but then hesitated.

Would it be saved in the navigation?

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Deciding to check first, he stopped midway and withdrew his hand.

Beomchan pressed the touchscreen of the navigation system as the engine started. When he tapped the “Our Home” button, the address of a nearby apartment appeared. The estimated time was less than fifteen minutes—a short distance.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

He closed the car door. The pheromones seeping out of Seungjae quickly filled the small, enclosed space. His palms grew damp with sweat. Without realizing it, his gaze shifted toward Seungjae. This was the first time in eight years that he had seen him this defenseless. A lot had changed since then, but the fact that he could do nothing remained the same.

He slowly pulled out of the parking lot. Seungjae was silent, except for the occasional groan he let out when the car passed over a speed bump. Maybe he really was asleep.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

The roads were quiet in the early morning. This was a neighborhood with many schools and no nightlife, so there were no people wandering around late at night. It almost felt like the entire world consisted of just the two of them. If only that were true.

First love, pheromones thick with alcohol, a silence so still it felt like time had stopped, an enclosed space, the ring still neatly fitted on his left hand, Woojoo, and again, first love.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

All these words, refusing to mix, swirled inside him, each maintaining its distinct color. His grip tightened on the steering wheel. I’m just the designated driver. He had been repeating that sentence like a mantra, and now, once again, he forced it into his mind, anchoring himself to reality.

They were halfway there when a vibrating sound came from the seat beside him. The tension in Beomchan’s body made him flinch. Seungjae must have felt it too because he fumbled around in his pocket with a scrunched-up expression and pulled out his phone.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“…Hello.”

— Are you home?

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

The car was so quiet that the voice from the phone reached Beomchan as well. It was a woman’s voice.

“No, not yet. I’m on my way. What about Woojoo?”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

— He just fell asleep a little while ago. What the hell are you doing, staying out so late? You must be thrilled, leaving the kid behind like this.

“…Mom? Quit nagging. My head’s ringing.”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Judging by the tone and content of the conversation, it seemed to be the noona he had mentioned before. Usually, in situations like this, the other parent would be looking after the child. And it wasn’t even a weekday—it was a Saturday night. A question, vague but uncomfortable, started creeping into Beomchan’s mind again.

— What time are you coming tomorrow? I have plans in the morning, so I need to go out.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

“I’ll come early.”

— Give me a time. If you’re going to be late, I can drop him off before I leave.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

The conversation sounded like one between a single parent and their babysitter. No matter how much he tried to steer his thoughts away, his mind kept veering in that direction. Are they separated? Is that why he’s still wearing the ring?

“…Ah. That sounds better.”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Seungjae pressed his fingers to his temple as if he had a headache and sighed. A quiet click of a tongue came through the phone.

— I’ll call you when I head out, so put your phone on loud this time. Don’t make me wait like last time.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“…Got it.”

— Hanging up.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

“Yeah.”

Seungjae lowered his phone onto his lap. He rubbed his eyes roughly with his palm, maybe to wake himself up.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Noona?” Beomchan asked, sneaking glances at him from the corner of his eye.

“Yeah.” Seungjae’s voice was still heavy with sleep.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“She was watching Woojoo for you today?”

He wasn’t asking what he really wanted to know. Instead, he danced around the edges, hesitating.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Yeah. She helps out a lot. She lives alone, and Woojoo likes going there.”

His slow voice carried traces of drowsiness, laced with a soft sigh. Beomchan felt his own fraying self-control begin to unravel. It was like the tickling sensation before a sneeze—something inside him, restless and itching to come out. Don’t ask. Swallow it. Keep your mouth shut.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

The navigation system announced that they were nearing their destination. He grew anxious. There wasn’t much time left to be alone in the car with him. Maybe that was what triggered it. After suppressing the urge countless times, after forcing it down so desperately, Beomchan’s lips betrayed him and parted.

“Is your husband really busy?”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

A heavy silence filled the car. Not even the sound of breathing could be heard. The atmosphere turned cold, so sharp that his skin prickled as if being stabbed by needles. Beomchan’s pupils darted around, sensing the weight of his mistake.

I shouldn’t have said that. He should have shoved a fist into his mouth if that was what it took to stop himself. Mistakes lasted only a second, but regret stretched on forever. He was about to take back the question and apologize when Seungjae, breaking the long silence, asked instead—

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“…Is that something you really want to know?”