OAO | Chapter 1

Yawn. A wide yawn escaped naturally. The toll of not eating or sleeping properly throughout the drama filming was evident. Still, now that it was over, Jaeyoon could finally return to Seoul and get some rest for a while.

“Are you really taking the KTX back?”

The manager looked nervously at Jaeyoon’s pale face. Seeing his dark circles droop heavily, he seemed even more worried.

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“How about staying one more day at the hotel?”

Just as they were about to head back to Seoul after wrapping up all their schedules, the car broke down. After urgently calling the insurance company for assistance, they found out the engine was the issue. While it was sent to the repair center, they were told it would take at least two to three days to fix due to delays in parts supply. The manager suggested staying in Busan for a few more days, thinking of it as a break since there wasn’t anything urgent, but Jaeyoon shook his head.

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Now that work was finally over, he didn’t want to waste any more time here. He was eager to get back to Seoul, even if only a bit sooner, to see Kangyoon’s face.

Instead of saying he needed a “Lee Kangyoon recharge,” Jaeyoon simply smiled at the manager.

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“I just want to rest comfortably in Seoul. I’m sick of hotel life.”

Having spent the entire filming period eating and sleeping in hotels, the manager nodded in understanding of Jaeyoon’s feelings.

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“What’s this?”

Spotting an unfamiliar script on the table, Jaeyoon brought it up to change the subject.

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“Oh, I forgot about that. It’s a movie script the company sent over by courier this morning. But, well… it’s a bit tricky.”

The manager trailed off, sneaking glances at Jaeyoon. When Jaeyoon stared back with a questioning look, he gave an awkward smile.

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“The story is based on a novel about the fateful love between an omega and an alpha.”

“An omega?”

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“Yeah. And it’s a same-sex romance.”

An omega and an alpha in a same-sex relationship. Jaeyoon stared intently at the script before narrowing his eyes with a drawn-out hum.

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“What’s the role?”

At Jaeyoon’s question, the manager looked even more troubled.

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“It’s the lead, but…”

He avoided Jaeyoon’s gaze as he answered.

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“Which side?”

The manager blinked, not understanding the question.

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“Is it the alpha or the omega?”

“Huh?”

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Even after Jaeyoon clarified, the manager still didn’t seem to get it.

“You know, like in fanfics. Is it the dominant alpha or the submissive omega?”

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Finally, the manager let out a sound of realization. Although he hadn’t personally read fanfics, he had been aware of their prevalence during Jaeyoon’s idol days. Fans wrote countless stories about idols, and sometimes agencies even encouraged light skinship among members as a form of fan service.

“Well, I think…”

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The manager trailed off again, but Jaeyoon could already guess the answer. In fanfics, Jaeyoon was often portrayed as the “submissive.” Sometimes he was an omega, other times a beta, but his role was always the same. If the role had come to him, it was undoubtedly as an omega.

“You’re probably not comfortable with playing an omega, right? If so, you can decline. The original novel was really popular, and the director is Kim Youngrang. That’s probably why the company sent it for you to consider.”

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Despite saying Jaeyoon could decline, the manager dropped the director’s name. Director Kim Youngrang, though only in his mid-30s, had a solid reputation in Chungmuro, with every project of his being a hit. Having him onboard meant the film had a high chance of success.

“Public perception of omegas has changed a lot, you know. These days, even web dramas tackle similar themes and get decent reactions. It seems like the production company, HK Entertainment, is planning a big push for this film. They’ve already secured international distribution.”

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In short, it was a high-stakes project with great potential for success, so the manager subtly encouraged him to consider it.

But none of that mattered to Jaeyoon. His mind was stuck on the fact that it was a story about omegas, alphas, and same-sex love.

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“Okay. I’ll do it.”

“Alright, take some more time to think—wait, what?”

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The manager, prepared for a hesitant response, was dumbfounded by Jaeyoon’s immediate decision.

“You’re accepting? Just like that?”

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Unlike the beaming Jaeyoon, the manager’s expression was complicated. He wasn’t reacting like someone whose persuasion had worked.

“Well…”

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The manager hesitated before taking a deep breath.

“Take your time to decide. Read the script thoroughly first. There’s no rush.”

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Was there something wrong with the script? Since the original novel had been a hit, the story shouldn’t have any major issues. Watching the manager, Jaeyoon decided to ask directly to avoid wasting time.

Sensing Jaeyoon’s gaze, the manager finally spoke after a long sigh.

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“There’s some… explicit content.”

Would that really be a reason to decline a role? It wasn’t as if it was a pornographic film. Just as Jaeyoon thought it wouldn’t matter, the manager added one more thing.

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“There’s a bed scene, too.”

Ah. Now Jaeyoon understood the manager’s reaction. Though he’d acted in various projects, he’d never starred in a romance film. He hadn’t even filmed a kiss scene before, let alone a bed scene. It must’ve been difficult for the manager to bring it up, knowing most actors would be uncomfortable. And the “omega” role only added to the hesitation.

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“It’s not real anyway, so what does it matter?”

“Huh? Well… yeah, that’s true, but… sometimes you’re oddly bold about things.”

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The manager took a deep breath, relieved that Jaeyoon wasn’t showing any resistance.

“Still, make sure to read through the script. We’ll hold off on your decision until you finish. There’s no rush—let’s say by next Tuesday.”

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Tomorrow was already Saturday, so the deadline was hardly generous. Jaeyoon chuckled in disbelief, and the manager, feeling awkward, laughed along before reminding him that if he planned to catch the KTX, they should head out now.

Following the manager, Jaeyoon pulled out his phone and sent a message to Kangyoon.

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— I’m taking the KTX to Seoul now. Pick me up at Seoul Station. Oh, and I got a movie offer that’ll seriously surprise you when you hear what it’s about.

As expected, the message didn’t show as read right away. Kangyoon was probably in the middle of a recording session. Even if he saw it within the next two hours, that would be fortunate. Putting his phone back into his jacket pocket, Jaeyoon felt relaxed.

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Would Kangyoon actually show up at Seoul Station on time? It was a fifty-fifty chance.

More than that, Jaeyoon wondered how Kangyoon would react to him taking on a romantic role with mature themes, especially as an omega. Would he remain unfazed and tell him to do his best? Or would he show even a hint of discomfort? Maybe… something else?

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Imagining the reaction he wanted most made Jaeyoon chuckle to himself. Dream on, Yoon Jaeyoon—expecting Lee Kangyoon to feel jealous was as likely as the sun rising in the west.

🎥🎤

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The scenery outside the train window began to blur more slowly. He had only closed his eyes for a moment, yet two hours had already passed.

[Our train will soon arrive at Seoul Station. Please note that arrival is delayed by about five minutes…]

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As the announcement played, passengers busily prepared to disembark. Jaeyoon removed his wireless earbuds, placed them back in their case, and pulled his cap lower. Not that it made him unrecognizable—there were always sharp-eyed fans wherever he went.

“Excuse me…”

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Of course, no sooner had he stood up than a young woman across the aisle approached him hesitantly.

“Aren’t you… Yoon Jaeyoon?”

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Her curious, expectant gaze sparkled. Jaeyoon answered curtly, deliberately sounding indifferent.

“I get that a lot.”

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His dismissive tone seemed to fluster her.

“Right, no way a celebrity would ride the KTX,” she mumbled, turning away quickly, embarrassed. She didn’t even ask a second time, which made Jaeyoon smirk. His speech and expression must have been too different from what she expected of “Yoon Jaeyoon.”

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When he reached the station concourse, he scanned the bustling crowd. Among the many busy people, only one stood out.

Even with his face mostly obscured by black sunglasses, passersby stole glances at him. Despite his casual attire, his height, proportions, and aura made him impossible to miss. It wasn’t something he tried to flaunt—he just naturally radiated star quality.

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“Hyung!”

Jaeyoon called out cheerfully, waving a hand. Kangyoon turned, frowning slightly as if annoyed by the attention Jaeyoon was drawing. A pair of women passing by glanced over, their expressions lighting up with recognition. Kangyoon, with his long stride, quickly closed the distance and reached out to pull Jaeyoon’s cap further down over his face.

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“Hey! Hyung!”

Protesting as the cap was shoved so low he could barely see, Jaeyoon tried to object, but Kangyoon ignored him, grabbing his arm and pulling him along. Practically being dragged, Jaeyoon laughed softly despite himself.

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“Is that Yoon Jaeyoon?”

“Oh my god, it is!”

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The murmurs from nearby onlookers made Kangyoon grip Jaeyoon’s arm even tighter. The strength stung a little, but it only made Jaeyoon smile more.

“Did you wait long?” Jaeyoon asked, looking up at Kangyoon with a bright smile.

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When Kangyoon’s face became fully visible, the murmurs around them turned into excited squeals. Kangyoon’s expression, however, grew even stiffer.

“Let’s just… get moving.”

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Letting out a deep sigh, Kangyoon turned away, walking briskly. Though people continued whispering and staring, no one dared to approach. There was something about Kangyoon’s composed yet commanding presence that kept them at bay.

Compared to me, he’s definitely the one drawing attention.

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Jaeyoon grinned to himself. Even now, Kangyoon’s natural alpha charisma was unmistakable. Adjusting his cap as they moved to the parking lot, Jaeyoon stayed quiet, not wanting to push Kangyoon’s temper.

Once they got into the car, Jaeyoon removed his cap and exhaled deeply. Kangyoon, now in the driver’s seat, glanced over.

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“Unnecessary theatrics.”

The critique was short but clear. Jaeyoon knew exactly what Kangyoon meant. Ten years of knowing him had taught him that much.

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“I didn’t want to waste my day off,” Jaeyoon replied casually.

“You could’ve just stayed at a hotel in Busan and rested.”

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That was true—practical even. His manager had suggested the same. But I wanted to see you, hyung.

Jaeyoon swallowed the words before they escaped and simply smiled. As expected, Kangyoon let out another sigh but said nothing further.

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As Kangyoon started the car, Jaeyoon turned to look at him, studying his side profile.

“Got something to say?” Kangyoon asked, his gaze fixed on the road.

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“No.”

I just like looking at you.

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Another unspoken thought was buried.

“Anything happen on the train?” Kangyoon asked nonchalantly as he steered.

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“Not much. Someone recognized me just as I got off.”

Kangyoon let out another low sigh, muttering under his breath.

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“Lucky you made it out on time.”

Being held up signing autographs and taking photos could have easily delayed him by several dozen minutes.

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“I pretended to be someone else. I kept a stern expression and said, ‘I hear that a lot,’ which left her flustered and made her walk away.”

Hyung was waiting. He couldn’t afford to be caught up with fans when he was on his way to see him.

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“I mean, I dragged you out here. The least I can do is not make you wait.”

This time, Jaeyoon added a small piece of his genuine feelings to his words.

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“So you know you dragged me out here.”

Even in Kangyoon’s curt tone, Jaeyoon couldn’t help but keep chuckling. It had been quite a while. How long exactly?

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Because of his drama shoot, he had spent the entirety of last month in Busan. The company, thinking the back-and-forth would be too taxing, had secured him accommodations there.

“Almost a month and a half.”

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The last time they met had been about two weeks before he left for Busan. They had a meal together before parting ways. Thinking about the dates, the words just spilled out. Kangyoon glanced over at him.

“It’s been a while. Didn’t you miss me?”

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Jaeyoon asked teasingly, wearing a mischievous grin. Though the words were sincere, he masked them as a joke. Kangyoon merely furrowed his eyebrows without responding.

“What about the car? What did your manager say?”

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Whether it was because he didn’t want to answer or didn’t think it was worth responding to, Kangyoon deftly changed the subject.

“I don’t know. It’s at the service center, but they said it might not be fixed in the next day or two.”

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Though Kangyoon and his manager made it sound like a small matter, Jaeyoon felt differently. He hadn’t seen Kangyoon’s face in over a month and was already feeling withdrawal symptoms. His brief three-day break couldn’t just be spent stuck in Busan.

“And yet, you took the KTX up here?”

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“Why not? It’s quick and convenient.”

At Jaeyoon’s perfectly reasonable answer, Kangyoon sighed softly again.

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“You need to be more aware of yourself.”

Of course, he was very aware.

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Until four years ago, he had been part of a popular idol group—alongside Kangyoon. Now, he had successfully transitioned into acting. Offers kept coming in, and his performances were well-received, earning him a growing fan base, both from his idol days and his acting career.

“If you cause unnecessary commotion, it inconveniences others.”

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“So you’re not worried about me but about everyone else?”

Jaeyoon feigned a touch of disappointment. Though his words were half-joking, Kangyoon glanced at him and reached out. His large hand ruffled Jaeyoon’s hair before pulling away. It was his way of saying, You know I worry about you, don’t you?

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“You’re always ordering people around, and now you make that face?”

Apparently, Jaeyoon had unknowingly looked a bit crestfallen. Though he prided himself on hiding his feelings, moments like this showed otherwise.

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“Only because you’re scolding me.”

“No, I’m not.”

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“Then… are you worried about me?”

Jaeyoon stared at him intently. Sensing the gaze, Kangyoon finally looked back.

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“Well.”

That single word was all he got. But Jaeyoon knew. For all his bluntness, Kangyoon did care. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have made the time to come pick him up at Seoul Station just because of one message.

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“How was the recording? Did it go well?”

Jaeyoon recalled what his manager had mentioned earlier: “Kangyoon’s been practically living in the recording studio lately. He’s working on songs for a debuting group, but their manager says they’re struggling because he’s so demanding.”

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At the mention, Kangyoon’s brows knit even more tightly. He clearly wasn’t pleased. Though he hadn’t complained aloud, his expression was enough to paint a picture. Back in their idol days, if a single note was off or something wasn’t to his liking, Kangyoon would insist on retakes, sometimes pulling all-nighters. The producer back then had practically begged him to ease up.

“Cut them some slack. Push them too hard, and they might run away. Not everyone’s perfect like you.”

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Jaeyoon added a light-hearted remark, knowing full well it wouldn’t get through to him. Unsurprisingly, Kangyoon kept his face stern and stayed silent. Not that Jaeyoon intended to meddle in his work. He just hoped Kangyoon would take it a little easier—not for the trainees, but because when Kangyoon was engrossed in producing, he would often miss Jaeyoon’s calls.

“At least you’re done for today. I was surprised you saw my message and came out.”

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He hadn’t really expected Kangyoon to show up. When an hour passed without a read receipt, Jaeyoon had assumed Kangyoon was too busy to come, ready to barge straight into the studio if necessary.

As they stopped at a red light, Kangyoon glanced at him again, as if he had something to say. Instead, he just sighed deeply and shook his head before focusing back on the road.

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“Needed some fresh air.”

That was his only answer. But that was enough. Kangyoon had made time to pick him up, and now they were together. That’s what mattered.

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“Where are we going?”

Jaeyoon finally asked, a bit late.

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“My place.”

The matter-of-fact response didn’t faze Jaeyoon. After all, he often crashed at Kangyoon’s place, to the point it felt routine.

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“Well, that’s fair. We did live together back in the day.”

They had shared the same dorm during their idol days, eating and sleeping in the same space. Perhaps that’s why boundaries between them now felt so natural—or nonexistent.

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“Have you heard from the others?”

Out of the blue, Jaeyoon thought about their former group members.

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“No.”

While Jaeyoon had been shooting in Busan, he figured Kangyoon would’ve kept in closer contact with their former members. But the unexpected response caught him off guard.

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“You don’t keep in touch?”

Given Lee Kangyoon’s personality, Jaeyoon doubted he’d ever initiate contact. But he thought for sure the older members would’ve reached out to check in.

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“I got some messages,” Kangyoon admitted.

Of course.

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“How many?”

Jaeyoon was certain it wasn’t just one or two. If those messages came during recording sessions, Kangyoon probably didn’t bother checking them, letting them pile up. That would’ve only made the hyungs worry more, sending dozens of messages in a flurry.

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“I don’t know. I didn’t count.”

He probably hadn’t even read most of them, just skimmed to confirm there was no emergency and left it at that.

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Yet this same Lee Kangyoon had seen Jaeyoon’s message and come all the way to Seoul Station to pick him up. Maybe he’d only glanced at it by chance and decided to come out for a breather, but it still made Jaeyoon happy.

🎥🎤

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After stepping out of the shower, Jaeyoon heard Kangyoon head into the bathroom. The sound of running water began almost immediately. Checking the moment was right, Jaeyoon retrieved some pills from his jacket pocket and swallowed them with water. There was still time before they’d wear off, but he liked to be careful. Though he rarely experienced symptoms anymore, he always stayed cautious—just in case.

It had been over ten years since this routine started, back when they’d first begun living together during their idol group days. By now, it was second nature. As an actor, living alone had made it easier to keep up with it discreetly.

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But today, since he’d be staying with Kangyoon, it felt wise to stay extra vigilant.

As he picked up a script and settled onto the couch, the sound of the bathroom door opening reached him. Peeking over the edge of the script, Jaeyoon spotted Kangyoon stepping out. With only pants on and a towel draped over his shoulders, Kangyoon made a beeline for the kitchen.

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The faint trace of Kangyoon’s scent seemed to waft over to him. Couldn’t be, Jaeyoon told himself—it was just his imagination. He forced himself to refocus on the script.

Kangyoon opened the fridge, grabbed a can of beer, and glanced back at Jaeyoon.

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“Want one?”

With half the words missing from the question, Jaeyoon simply nodded. Grabbing a second can, Kangyoon walked over and sat beside him.

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“Dry your hair properly.”

Kangyoon frowned as he noticed Jaeyoon’s damp hair. Having heard the same nag countless times before, Jaeyoon casually replied, “Yeah,” without even looking up from the script.

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A sigh escaped from Kangyoon. “Come here.”

Pushing Jaeyoon down from the couch onto the floor, Kangyoon sat behind him and started rubbing his hair dry with the towel slung over his shoulder.

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“It’ll dry on its own,” Jaeyoon protested, tilting his head back to look up at Kangyoon. His words went completely ignored. Unlike Jaeyoon, who still had water dripping from his hair, Kangyoon’s own hair was already perfectly dry.

Did he come out with that towel just to dry my hair?

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The thought made Jaeyoon smile despite himself. How ridiculous—people always wanted to see things in ways that worked to their advantage.

But no, it was just Kangyoon being Kangyoon. He’d always been like this—seemingly aloof yet quietly considerate. Back in their idol days, it had been the same. Kangyoon appeared indifferent, acting like he didn’t care about others, but in crucial moments, he was always the first to step up.

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This wasn’t even the first time Kangyoon had dried his hair for him. Far from it.

Jaeyoon tried to remember when it had all started.

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🎥🎤

“Hey, you’re dripping water everywhere!”

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It was just a few days into their group dorm life. Back then, Jaeyoon was still uncomfortable around his new group members, unwillingly thrust into the idol life he hadn’t really wanted. Living in close quarters with strangers wasn’t something he welcomed, and having something to hide only made it worse.

“Ugh, can’t you dry your hair properly?”

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The complaint came from Hanjun, the group’s unofficial leader. He was only a year older than Jaeyoon but acted like a senior authority, always issuing commands and nitpicking.

“Sorry, I tried my best. I’ve always been bad at it,” Jaeyoon had apologized.

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“What do you mean, bad at it? You live here with others! Don’t inconvenience everyone else!”

Hanjun’s sharp rebukes had left him flustered. Truth was, Jaeyoon had always struggled with drying his hair. Even as a kid, no matter how much he tried, water would always drip from his hair.

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“Why not just use a blow dryer?”

Who wouldn’t think of that? But it was summer, the dorm’s air conditioner was broken, and using a blow dryer felt like being suffocated by the heat. On top of that, the medication he’d started taking caused occasional nausea when exposed to hot air for too long.

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“Enough,” Kangyoon had interrupted.

“What do you mean, ‘enough’? He’s dripping water all over the place!”

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“So we wipe the floor. Problem solved.”

Without making a fuss, Kangyoon pulled Jaeyoon to sit in front of him.

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“Hand me the towel.”

Taking the towel from Jaeyoon, Kangyoon began drying his hair with ease. That had been the first time.

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From then on, Kangyoon made it a habit, even long after the seasons changed and Jaeyoon could’ve managed on his own.

“You’re spoiling him,” the other members teased Kangyoon years later when the routine continued, even though Jaeyoon was in his twenties.

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“Got a dog back home. Guess I’m just used to it,” Kangyoon replied nonchalantly.

He compared Jaeyoon to a pet, a younger member to look after—no different than the rest. That sentiment lingered even after the group disbanded and their paths diverged.

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🎥🎤

“Isn’t your drama already over?”

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Kangyoon asked, pointing to the script Jaeyoon was holding.

“Oh, this is something else. It’s not confirmed yet, but my manager tossed it to me to check out.”

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“That’s good news.”

What exactly was good about it? Jaeyoon couldn’t tell.

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“Aren’t you curious about the story?”

He turned back with a teasing smile.

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“No. Not interested.”

Of course. If it was Kangyoon, he’d think that reading someone else’s script was a waste of time better spent looking at one more music sheet.

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Though they both started as idol group members, Kangyoon and Jaeyoon had very different inclinations. Kangyoon, overflowing with musical talent, had written and composed most of the group’s songs. Jaeyoon, on the other hand, had always aspired to act. Circumstances led him to join as the final member, where he sang and danced adequately, leaning on his unmatched visuals to become the group’s “face.”

Perhaps that’s why he and Hanjun never got along too well.

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“You might be shocked to hear the plot, though,” Jaeyoon suggested, testing the waters. Kangyoon paused mid-sip of his beer to glance over.

“If it’s shocking, don’t do it.”

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The unexpected response sent Jaeyoon into peals of laughter. What kind of movie did Kangyoon think it was? While it wasn’t a raunchy film, Kangyoon’s concern amused Jaeyoon. It was enough that Kangyoon cared; no, it was enough just sitting together, chatting idly like this.

Jaeyoon mused about how well he’d managed in Busan. Still, being back here felt like he was at his limit. Ten years of keeping things hidden was enough to deserve some self-praise.

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“How old is Gyuho-hyung’s kid now?”

Opening another can of beer, Jaeyoon asked casually, watching Kangyoon’s brow furrow as he tried to recall.

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“Three, maybe?”

Jaeyoon mentally calculated and prompted further.

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“It must be four by Korean age. Gyuho-hyung announced his girlfriend’s pregnancy when Ray-hyung and Junie-hyung returned from the States, right? The baby was born at the end of that year.”

Even then, Jaeyoon found himself tangled in calculating Korean vs. international ages, wondering why such distinctions were necessary in the first place.

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“Why the sudden interest in Gyuho-hyung’s kid?”

It was an odd thing to bring up out of nowhere. Instead of replying, Jaeyoon gestured toward the TV, where a parenting reality show played.

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“Oh…”

Kangyoon seemed to recall that Gyuho had joined the program last month.

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“You’ve never watched it, have you?”

A rhetorical question. Kangyoon wasn’t the type to enjoy variety shows. Even during their idol days, he would grimace whenever they had variety show schedules. Luckily, other members, quick-witted and funny, covered for him. Ironically, Gyuho, the same member who caused a stir with his pregnancy scandal, was now thriving on a parenting show.

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“Kids grow so fast. He looks different already from the last time I saw him.”

Jaeyoon hummed thoughtfully, looking at the child on screen before turning to Kangyoon, who must have felt his gaze and glanced back.

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“What?”

“Hyung, aren’t you going to date someone?”

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“…….”

The silence made Jaeyoon nervous. Could it be? Did Kangyoon already have someone? Was Jaeyoon the only one unaware?

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“Don’t tell me you’re hiding someone.”

When Kangyoon frowned and let out a long sigh, Jaeyoon’s heart sank.

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“I don’t even have time for that.”

Fair enough. Kangyoon’s manager had mentioned how he practically lived in the recording studio lately. Jaeyoon was relieved, but his relief was short-lived as Kangyoon reached out to tousle his hair.

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“If I had a girlfriend, I wouldn’t let you barge in like this.”

“Oh…”

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That response stung a little. If Kangyoon ever got a girlfriend, Jaeyoon wouldn’t be able to come and go as he pleased anymore. No matter how close they’d been as former group members, there were boundaries.

“Then don’t date yet,” Jaeyoon mumbled, leaning his head against Kangyoon’s knee.

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“So you can keep barging in whenever you feel like it?”

“Not exactly… It’s just, sometimes you need someone to relax with, no strings attached.”

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Someone to feel comfortable with. No, someone he liked. He didn’t want to relax but to do everything together. Still, he swallowed those thoughts.

“I’m too busy. No time for relationships.”

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It wasn’t the answer Jaeyoon wanted, but it was good enough for now.

🎥🎤

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Three days later, Jaeyoon’s manager came to Seoul for a pre-scheduled commercial shoot. His supporting role in the drama had significantly boosted his visibility, earning him several ad contracts.

“Kangyoon must’ve been taking good care of you.”

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The manager commented while glancing at Jaeyoon’s face after the shoot, assuming—as everyone did—that Jaeyoon had been staying at Kangyoon’s. It was practically an open secret that Jaeyoon crashed at Kangyoon’s place during his breaks.

“Still, don’t be too much of a bother. Kangyoon’s busy too.”

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“So I am a burden, huh.”

Jaeyoon muttered to himself, prompting the manager to glance up from his papers and chuckle.

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“At least you’re aware.”

“Well…”

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