SANN | Chapter 9.4

“So, I played him a bit more. Asked if there were any pictures of his good-looking wife and son. Thought the household was too messed up for photos, but there was one. Some old photographer in their neighborhood took it when the kid was young…”

“What?”

“…Interested?”

Park looked slyly at Sieon, grinning. Ah, that cunning bastard. He must have already figured out the situation. Sieon clicked his tongue and pulled out his wallet, tossing a stack of checks onto Park’s chest. Park giggled as he gathered them.

“These were actually stolen. He refused to give them up.”

Park slid a photo from among the documents toward Sieon.

The first thing Sieon saw was a chubby-cheeked young Gureum, standing and holding his mother’s hand. The father, not even holding the kid’s hand, was scowling at the camera lens, probably glaring at the photographer.

The mother, holding her son’s hand, did not look happy at all. Sieon closely examined her face, clouded with gloom. Gureum seemed to resemble her, their features hauntingly similar.

Except for the angelic face of young Gureum, everything was a mess. Clothes too worn and old for a child to wear. Feet shod in adult slippers instead of fitting sneakers. The young Gureum’s expression, not entirely happy, and his mother’s sad face…

“Fucking hell…”

“What?!”

Seeing Gureum’s childhood image only spoiled Sieon’s mood. He wanted to tear the photo to shreds but managed to restrain himself, instead shoving it into his pocket like trash.

Park, expecting Sieon to be pleased, was taken aback by Sieon’s sour expression and regretted his action.

Sieon deeply inhaled his cigarette, flipping through the documents. Details about Gureum’s biological father, Sunwoo Jae, age forty-two…

“Fuck…”

Sieon chewed on the cigarette filter. The age difference between him and that side was closer than with Gureum.

“They got married awfully young.”

“Looks like they messed up. His wife is the same age.”

“I don’t care. Don’t bother with useless info.”

“Sorry about that.”

Park did not look sorry at all as he grinned broadly.

“The drug seems fine. Anything else?”

“Well, that guy doesn’t live in that house anymore. He claimed he had twenty million won, so I threw some extra money and stuffed him in a gambling den.”

Twenty million won. Knowing the source of the funds, Sieon snorted.

“The game’s rigged, of course. The thrill of winning. He thinks he’s found his calling lately. They look after him there. I hear he drinks like he’s dying. He might just kill himself before we get to him.”

“Don’t let him die from the booze. Leave him to rot alive.”

Sieon coldly delivered these ruthless words, then extinguished the worn-out cigarette in the ashtray. It was time to head home.

“If there’s nothing else, I’m leaving.”

“Eh, already? Come on, tell me the truth. What are you keeping at home these days? You’re not usually this keen to return…”

“Yeah. Raising a rabbit.”

Park was genuinely shocked this time.

“Wow, crazy. I almost had a heart attack. A rabbit? You? Since when?”

“Not long.”

“Seriously… you’re raising a rabbit? What’s its name?”

“Gureum.”

Sieon answered smoothly. Perhaps by now, Park would catch on, but he still seemed clueless, excitedly believing it was an actual rabbit as he bombarded Sieon with questions. Park, despite his rough appearance, seemed to like small animals.

“Ah, it must be a white rabbit then! How cute. How old?”

“Twenty years.”

“Twenty…! …What?”

Only then did Park sense something was off. A rabbit that was twenty years old… Surely, Sieon had lost it. Park stared sharply at Sieon, the age difference of thirteen years between them suddenly glaring. Rarely did Park show such displeasure in front of Sieon, waving his hand dismissively.

“Crazy, twenty years! No wonder you’re bored. What are you doing? Go home. Let’s go.”

“Yeah. Going.”

Sieon chuckled as he stood up, about to leave when one clueless guy grabbed him again.

“Boss, are you just going to leave today? Why don’t you dote on me anymore…”

The man shamelessly sprawled over the table, raising his buttocks and spreading his cheeks apart. Evidently, he had been thoroughly used, as semen oozed out from his gaping hole. Even from the rear, it was clear who he was. This was hole number one.

“What the fuck are you doing.”

“You used to enjoy doing it here, boss… I filled up just for you…”

Disgusted by the display, hole number one looked up at Sieon with teary eyes. It seemed once Sieon found them appealing, but now they all looked like shellfish to him.

Sieon knew these desperate bastards were trying to survive. Park was one of those Sieon had helped. Probably this guy feared losing the money Sieon gave more than anything else.

Sieon sighed and pulled out his wallet.

“That was then. Not anymore.”

“…Boss.”

“Remember this. If you spread your ass to me again, I’ll tear it apart.”

“……”

“Not with a dick, but with a knife.”

With a stern warning, Sieon harshly shoved the rolled-up checks into the semen-filled hole of the man. It was a final, twisted payment.

***

Bibibii!

Sieon unlocked the door with a beep and pushed it open. Warm and welcoming air filled the house, making it feel truly lived in.

“Hyung…?”

“Peekaboo, hyung is home.”

Hearing the sound of the car parking, Gureum had peeked out from around the corner and was now looking towards Sieon. Gureum’s face brightened with relief as he dashed over to the entrance, his appearance endearing.

“You’re back…”

“Uh huh, did Gureum eat well?”

“Yes…”

“Chewed properly?”

“Um, yes…”

Gureum avoided Sieon’s gaze slightly and nodded. Sieon figured he’d have to address those eating habits soon, but for now, he just smiled warmly and pulled Gureum into a tight hug.

Suddenly, Gureum’s sensitive nose caught a scent on Sieon that wasn’t his usual fragrance. It was heavier and more masculine than the fresh scents Sieon usually preferred.

“Uh…”

“What’s wrong?”

“Oh, it’s nothing…”

Gureum mumbled, rubbing his nose, not brave enough to ask who Sieon had met. He assumed it must be the cologne of someone Sieon worked with and tried to dismiss it.

“Baby, I was thinking about grabbing a quick dinner. Should I prepare something for Gureum too? Want more to eat?”

“Ah! No… I’m full, thanks!”

“Alright.”

Sieon nodded and headed towards the kitchen while Gureum stood by the dining table, watching Sieon’s back as he prepared dinner.

The unease was inevitable; Gureum knew little about Sieon’s work or his connections. If Sieon were to leave him suddenly… Without knowing anything substantial about Sieon’s life, Gureum felt powerless. A sense of sadness washed over him, and tears seemed imminent.

Yet he didn’t feel brave enough to ask Sieon about his concerns, fearing he might be a bother. Despite understanding intellectually that Sieon wouldn’t find him annoying, his heart didn’t fully grasp it, making him feel foolish.

Biting his lip, Gureum tried to hold back, but soon tears started to well up. Before he could cry, he spoke up.

“Hyung, I’m going to wash my face!”

“Hmm?”

As soon as Sieon turned around, Gureum darted into the bathroom. He soaked his face in cold water at the sink, calming down. After drying off with a towel, the mirror showed no trace of tears.

Feeling a bit more composed, Gureum tiptoed back to the kitchen. Dinner seemed ready, but instead of eating, Sieon was leaning against the table, watching Gureum with an odd tilt to his posture.

Gureum, wondering if he’d done something wrong again, sneaked a glance at Sieon. Sieon then sat down and tapped his lap.

“Come here. Sit with me while I eat.”

“O-okay…”

Blushing, Gureum obediently perched on Sieon’s lap. Sieon, who had seemed a bit irritable earlier, now appeared completely at ease.