OMLM | Chapter 20

Yebon tilted his head slightly to the opposite side of where Cha Hyuk was standing.

Ah, I’m doomed.

For some reason, Yebon found it terrifying to look at Cha Hyuk’s face in this moment.

How should I get out of this? Should I grab Cha Hyuk and just run away? If I do that, what would I tell Mom later? And what would I even say to Cha Hyuk?

While Yebon was lost in a spiral of thoughts, Cha Hyuk, who had been silent for a moment, placed a hand on Yebon’s shoulder with a gentle smile. Yebon flinched slightly at the contact.

“Hello, are you Kang Yebon’s mother? I’m Kang Yebon’s academic advisor.”

“Yes, I’m Yebon’s mom. I never thought I’d meet his advisor at a place like this. Nice to meet you.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, ma’am. I happen to know Jung Woochan personally, so I came to attend his wedding.”

How could he lie so effortlessly?

The worry Yebon had just a moment ago felt completely pointless. Cha Hyuk acted so naturally that even his typically gruff voice seemed to flow with charm today.

Glancing at his mom, Yebon noticed that whatever hint of nervousness had been in her eyes had completely vanished.

“Actually, I had something to discuss with Yebon regarding his major. Would you mind if I borrowed him for a moment?”

“Oh, of course! Take your time. Yebon, I’ll be sitting over there. Come whenever you’re done.”

His mom, who had been so insistent on leaving when Cha Hyuk appeared, walked away without a shred of concern.

Watching her retreating figure, Yebon became painfully aware of the growing pressure on his shoulder. It wasn’t painful, but it was firm enough to make its presence known.

“Yebon?”

“…Yes, professor.”

“…Really now.”

Hearing a soft scoff from above, Yebon cautiously glanced up at Cha Hyuk.

Thankfully, Cha Hyuk didn’t seem upset about being introduced as a professor. He just squinted slightly, his expression somewhere between exasperation and amusement. Yebon awkwardly smiled back.

“…I’m sorry.”

“Let’s leave it at that. Shall we talk over there, Yebon?”

Cha Hyuk lightly ruffled Yebon’s hair and began walking toward a quieter corner. Yebon quickly followed.

The spot Cha Hyuk stopped at had a clear view of the entrance, where Jung Woochan stood, enthusiastically greeting guests. The sight alone left a bitter taste in Yebon’s mouth.

Yebon leaned against the wall with his hands clasped behind his back. His lips jutted out in a pout, his face unmistakably sulky.

“So… why are you really here? You said you weren’t going to cause a scene.”

“If you want me to, I’d be more than happy to cause one.”

Just a few days ago, Yebon had worried about what would happen if Cha Hyuk really did create a scene. But now, the suggestion sounded tempting.

The image of Woochan’s mocking, smug face came to mind, sparking a fresh wave of irritation.

Everything happening here was undoubtedly Woochan’s fault. While the past couldn’t be changed, did he really need to treat Yebon like this?

How much of the worst of each other do we have to see before this ends?

Yebon was reminded of the saying, Just when you think you’ve hit rock bottom, you discover there’s a basement.

Even though Woochan’s actions had been despicable, Yebon couldn’t believe that all the warmth from their past was a lie. There had been a time when they were genuinely close, even before they were romantically involved.

It felt like an eternity ago.

That day had been rainy, and Yebon was stuck without an umbrella. In middle school, he hadn’t been close to anyone, so his only options were walking home in the rain or waiting it out. He had chosen the latter, standing alone by the shoe lockers, gazing blankly at the sky.

The rain only grew heavier as time passed, leaving him at a loss for what to do.

Then, someone familiar walked through the school gate. Squinting, Yebon recognized him—it was Woochan.

At the time, they weren’t particularly close. They were neighbors who exchanged polite greetings, and Woochan would occasionally strike up a conversation, but Yebon hadn’t paid much attention to him.

“Why is he here?” Yebon wondered, only for Woochan to smile sheepishly and say,

“It’s raining, and nobody was home. I thought you might be here.”

Yebon had been taken aback by the vague excuse. It was such an uncertain reason to come, but at the same time, the coldness he’d felt creeping along his neck suddenly gave way to a warm flush.

He hadn’t realized it then, but later, Yebon understood that this was the moment his feelings for Woochan began.

Emotions can sprout from the smallest moments.

How did we end up like this? Yebon thought, his blurry gaze fixed on Woochan.

“You always had to feel like you were the only one. Like you were special to me. Do you know how suffocating that was for me, trying to keep up with your expectations?”

Had he really suffocated Woochan like that? A sharp pang struck Yebon’s chest, the ache spreading through him.

After a long silence, Yebon bowed his head weakly.

“Maybe it’s pointless to cause a scene. But at the same time, I want to destroy something—anything. I said I’d ignore him, but even if I hadn’t come today, I would’ve kept thinking about this.”

How happy Woochan must be, how many blessings he would receive, who the bride might be.

He would have imagined a wedding more radiant than reality, playing endlessly in his head.

“Maybe I should go and ruin it all after all.”

From the start, ignoring it had been impossible.

Was that why Cha Hyuk had brought him here? Was that also why Woochan had invited him?

Standing in this grand venue, looking at Woochan dressed for his wedding, only made Yebon angrier. Yet at the same time, he felt drained of all energy to act.

“Relationships that can’t even be spoken of openly… how genuine could they really be?”

As much as he hated to admit it, those words were half true.

A relationship like theirs could never be blessed or celebrated. In a sacred space where Woochan basked in everyone’s blessings, even the anger Yebon had clung to crumbled.

“It’s really over now. What was I even hoping for in a relationship like that?”

“While the ceremony continues…”

Cha Hyuk placed a hand on Yebon’s slouched shoulder and gently pulled him closer. Leaning down, he met Yebon’s eyes.

From Yebon’s perspective, he could see Woochan clearly. Cha Hyuk’s steady gaze directed his attention back to Woochan.

“Watch him. See where his gaze lingers, if his face and movements seem stiff, if he can’t keep his hands or feet still—observe all of it.”

“…Why?”

“At times, just existing can instill fear and unease in someone. Watching the most radiant and joyous moment of their life unravel into dread and anxiety… isn’t that worth witnessing?”

At that moment, Woochan’s eyes darted toward them.

For just a split second, their gazes locked, and Woochan’s eyes wavered.

In what should have been the happiest, brightest moment of his life, Woochan found himself burdened with fear, unable to express it, carrying it alone.

Yebon slowly turned his head to look at Cha Hyuk.

Cha Hyuk’s dark eyes were still locked on Woochan, their depths brimming with quiet amusement.

He’s a monster, Yebon thought. At this moment, Cha Hyuk was a monster—but only for Woochan.

Finally, Yebon understood why Cha Hyuk had insisted on coming, and why he, too, had needed to be here.

“Sometimes, making sure they never dare to cross you again is the best warning.”

Coming to the wedding with Cha Hyuk had been Yebon’s strongest possible retaliation. Far more intimidating than his own childish tantrums, Cha Hyuk was a force Woochan couldn’t defy.

Yebon couldn’t help but admire him. This is psychology in action… or maybe war psychology.

As the ceremony began, Yebon sat next to his mom while Cha Hyuk chose a seat in the very back.

Despite the venue being packed, Cha Hyuk’s imposing presence left a noticeable gap around him.

In the pristine white setting, filled with lively music, Woochan smiled as if he were the happiest man alive.

But Yebon noticed the cracks.

He saw Woochan’s frequent glances toward the back, the way he rubbed his thigh with his palm, the slight twitch in his lips.

When Cha Hyuk stood up to clap, Woochan visibly flinched, enough to draw attention from other guests.

It all seemed so petty, yet Yebon couldn’t deny how satisfying it felt.

The tense, precarious moment shared by the three of them slowly drew to a close.

By the end, Woochan’s face was pale, and when Cha Hyuk casually mingled with guests for photos, Woochan looked like he’d been drained of life.

Yebon remained silent throughout, simply observing.

Though the petty revenge had been cathartic, what remained was a vague emptiness. Not

quite bad, but not good either.

It felt like standing on the edge of a waterfall, watching the chaotic torrent you had just escaped. The water clung to him, dripping onto the ground, yet he was already outside the storm.

“By the way, Woochan, you don’t look so well. Are you feeling sick?”

His mother’s question brought Woochan’s forced smile to the surface, a strained curve that seemed to take all his energy.

Woochan avoided Yebon’s gaze entirely. In contrast, Yebon quietly observed him with detachment.

For some reason, Yebon knew this was the last time he would cross paths with Woochan.

“Jung Woochan.”

There had been a time when simply saying that name felt like heaven. His lips would form the syllables, and it felt as if flowers bloomed in the air, leaving a sweetness that made him whisper it over and over.

At Yebon’s quiet call, Woochan finally looked at him, his lips trembling and his eyes filled with nothing but resentment.

But Yebon, his expression devoid of emotion, spoke plainly.

“Goodbye.”

There was no sadness, hatred, or regret in his voice. Just a dry farewell, marking the end of ten years of connection, twisted into a bitter ending.

Even in this moment, Woochan seemed to search for hidden meaning in Yebon’s words, his unease evident. But Yebon didn’t wait for a reply. He turned away, leaving Woochan to the shadows of his own making.

Ahead, something dark and resolute lingered.

Yebon faintly smiled.

“Mom, I’m going to have a quick chat with the professor. You can head home first.”

“Huh? Oh, sure, sure. Take your time.”

“I’ll call you later.”

Yebon began walking. Cha Hyuk, as if waiting for this exact moment, shifted his gaze to follow him.

“By the end of the ceremony, Woochan looked like he’d aged a decade. Completely dried out,” Yebon quipped.

The attempt at humor sounded forced, and Cha Hyuk picked up on it instantly. His gaze softened as he replied, “You’re sad.”

The fake smile slipped from Yebon’s face. His lips flattened, and in a voice as faint as his pale eyes, he admitted,

“…Yeah, I’m sad. I’m really pathetic, aren’t I?”