SB Ch 27

“Aren’t you nervous?”645384377cad0261

“Nah, not really… It’s just like that.”edb4abd62d3e8ba4

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He would be incredibly nervous on the day he performs a piano quintet with Jin Suryeon, but today, being a usual orchestra performance, he didn’t feel much excitement. Instead, Haeyoon was more thrilled about what would happen after the performance.357046a46c6bd6c9

At Haeyoon’s indifferent response, Chae Beomjoon smiled as if he was proud of him. His heart skipped a beat at the smile spreading across that handsome face. As Haeyoon glanced at him, he suddenly leaned in to give Beomjoon a peck when the car stopped.f829db228ed96055

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“Seems like you’re in a good mood.”d818d21be9a07e95

“Yeah, you’re looking handsome.”cbf7bdf7b8683541

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Chae Beomjoon burst into laughter at Haeyoon’s disjointed reply. With his pleasant laugh, a smile also spread across Haeyoon’s lips.b4c8b44377544148

“You’ve been very generous with compliments lately. Did I do something cute?”0d98f3688fda2a1f

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The man tilted his head, looking innocent as if he didn’t understand why. Whether he was feigning ignorance or genuinely unaware, it didn’t matter; once today’s performance was over, there would be no need for such worries. Haeyoon chuckled and squeezed Beomjoon’s firm thigh before letting go.f7b1d1c277dcd891

“I don’t know. I’ll give you something better tonight.”029b8da4afe4a0af

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At the suggestive remark, Chae Beomjoon raised his eyebrows. He frowned as if to say ‘no way’, then laughed, looking at Haeyoon several times. Then, as if sensing something, he asked with a face full of happiness.33088169d9d1623d

“Can’t you give it to me now?”0e3d10374a7015a5

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“No, you can’t have it now. You should learn to wait.”9be65cd3045757f6

“I’m usually good at waiting.”a8e8c1dce5fbd780

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“…Oh, really? You must have waited a lot before.”f9e2a0e85f9ec614

“…”c8f75d8b45250c2e

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“Did you get a lot of good things?”1ff9c96269d400b3

Haeyoon’s eyes narrowed, and the happiness on Chae Beomjoon’s face vanished instantly with the silence that followed.84496297050efb63

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Lately, Chae Beomjoon’s choices in conversation were almost like navigating a minefield. Every word seemed to dig up Haeyoon’s past, which was nothing short of tragic for him, who claimed purity as a lover.3c918b797f098051

“…Well, the best gift I’ve ever received in my life is Haeyoon.”ef75a63300f40ba8

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Like someone who had excised his past, Chae Beomjoon answered as if he hadn’t heard Haeyoon’s question. Though there was a hint of embarrassment, he tried hard to answer smoothly, which was admirable and cute. Haeyoon pinched his cheek, which was showing signs of discomfort, then gently stroked it.9eec2cb07df89fad

“Watch your words, Beomjoon.”aa55ba319b0d5772

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With a deep frown, he reluctantly nodded. He seemed like he wanted to retort with something like, “Didn’t you have nine ex-boyfriends too?” but held back since it was the day of the performance.a0030e905437235a

He’s really cute no matter what he does. Haeyoon laughed, realizing he was afflicted with this terrible disease. It was a joyful commute to work.5ec9c6184c41d772

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“Have a good rehearsal, and I’ll see you tonight.”e5005e4de035108d

“You have to look pretty when you come.”674675cd159ae810

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“Should I wear a flower in my hair?”ace572ae2f12178a

“Yeah, like a rose.”564c3faaccb789fd

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Haeyoon, who had taken his instrument from the back seat of Chae Beomjoon’s car and slung it over his back, responded to the jest. Chae Beomjoon, acting as if he was plucking a flower from the air to place behind Haeyoon’s ear, laughed cutely and caught his hand, kissing the fingertips.d85e301f12feb209

The respectful kiss, meeting his eyes, tightened Haeyoon’s chest. Suppressing the urge to fall into his embrace, Haeyoon held Chae Beomjoon’s hand.fcf999bc70c302bf

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“See you later, bro.”464828f05db9518c

At the playful greeting with an eye-smile, Chae Beomjoon couldn’t contain himself and showed a broad, foolish grin. Haeyoon’s heart swelled. Smiling openly, Haeyoon started walking.573272f8949ea001

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Gradually, the distance between 22b55652a7 them grew, and their b5724d28dc clasped hands parted. With the final touch 3022107485 of their fingertips, their d165a4d826 connection was completely broken. Haeyoon glanced back, locking 971e16e331 eyes with Beomjoon, who 7da507875d was still watching him, 43b52ce028 then entered the grand 11e8bdb609 theater complex.76d2b84edea877e0

The grand theater, prepared for the Christmas performance, was splendidly decorated. Although the building was old, it exuded a more classical and antique vibe because of it. A 4-meter tall tree in the lobby was decorated with luxurious ornaments, including glass spheres with gold leaf inside, which contained donation certificates from the theater’s VIPs.299b456719dee07c

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This might be 036d225be5 even more expensive 1ea3c42786 than the Rockefeller 1d97793b5b Center tree.f50da42b32647905

With these pointless thoughts, 23aabf04b3 Haeyoon passed through the 7f2d5bda63 lobby towards the back 83158c0913 of the building. He intended to 212b9e1677 have a cigarette 02a9afc4e8 before going into 352c9bec61 the dressing room.81b701ccf320810a

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Click, lighting f855f9596e a cigarette f92fea5aab with a 7b42e93a68 lighter, he d3b73a66e9 picked up 524edb98e9 his phone. Haeyoon left a 4f72ca877f message for Chae 6c03d049d8 Beomjoon, who was d8578df0d4 supposed to go 5b47530113 home and come cc3eac9a70 back for the 09fea5a26f evening, to be 489d231879 careful, then called 856a43a04a his father, Seo a3e42b22e5 Jonggil.003d8585979a6736

“Dad, where are you?”0248078954c47836

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─ Oh, son! Did you already go for rehearsal? I’m at the beauty parlor. I can’t go to watch our Seo Haeyoon’s performance with my bare face, can I? Your dad is getting a makeover.73c48076d437e9ae

“Haah. What are you planning to do this time?”aec21d021c619037

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During the last Halloween special performance, unable to secure tickets no matter how hard he tried, Seo Jonggil’s anger was quelled when an invitation arrived at Seojong Steel Distribution. Whether it was because he had caused a stir or because they were securing VIPs, Haeyoon didn’t know, but Seo Jonggil, who thus attended Haeyoon’s first concert in Korea, showed up dressed flamboyantly.04f770780050fab8

Even though it was Halloween, while most other male VIPs wore tuxedos, Seo Jonggil alone came in a British Guardsman’s uniform, saying he was there to escort Haeyoon.613d41af9164e41e

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After the 6a44d51b63 performance, he 4e0bb671cd was the 5fc95cc72d only one 4d13ffa137 whistling and c040225d20 giving a 848f5dba24 standing ovation, 30e0fc97c2 then rushed cfe0f4f2ef to the a4db7a1ef3 dressing room 7f52a767c2 to give 40cd6ebc94 Haeyoon a ce95588435 bouquet as 7e56fb0216 large as 91c6c4fe8e his own a7d64762f6 body. It was so dc3e261fff ostentatious that anyone 9403f7df78 would think Haeyoon 549d98f9bb had won a cb441973e5 competition, making him 0849ff6846 too embarrassed to 53107f1e21 face the other e47c0dcbeb performers that day.7aec6a3547807e47

So, he 9e192c8007 called to 10249f593e ask his fc610315de father to 62747aa966 please not 24d519e5da do anything 9d604ed977 extravagant today, cb2fd84efc but he ff60893155 was already 1993bce143 at the a1fc776a8a beauty parlor. Feeling a twinge 68d207bc5b in his neck, e5966ff653 Haeyoon frowned.0f81c93a02380022

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“You’re not going to wear a Santa outfit or something, right? Today’s just a regular performance. You know? Most people are coming for dates, so they’ll be dressed smartly.”be9ef246caf9e52a

─ Oh, I know. Who’s saying anything? I’m just trying to maintain my dignity as your father. That’s all, there’s no other intention.d01182a9dd198d00

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He spoke firmly, but it wasn’t convincing. Sighing inwardly, Seo Haeyoon switched to speakerphone to continue the call while sending a real-time message to Seo Jonggil’s secretary through the messenger.b235ced4e413b4dc

I hope my father doesn’t come wearing something weird. Please, I beg you.1a037f438f9ccdc9

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After sending that message, a786cc3e63 Haeyoon called out to 573cd9718d Seo Jonggil, who was 1e5eb862f1 muttering to himself.7b8ac85795a43b00

─ So, for the New Year, with your dad…fb49e7d9b0c9b92c

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“Dad.”8b9c40fc41fec70a

─ Yeah?68e7aa27dd4fe7ec

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“There’s someone I’ll introduce to you after the concert.”20a4e87e2c2190eb

─ ….dcf845ee8a0c4edb

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“So, dress up nicely but not too flashy. You can’t outshine the main performer.”3f6831ebb61dd4ee

─ Oh my. How could I outshine you, son? That’s nonsense!2c93942e2ecec5c6

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At his father’s sudden flattery, Haeyoon burst into laughter. It was nice to hear, but the interpretation was wrong. Quietly stubbing out his cigarette, he resumed walking into the building and spoke.80d3c1c80ce78bc6

“I’m talking about the other person, not me.”f3e846b9466e3797

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─ …Ha.2c50e4dd214e6b63

Feeling something from that short reply, Seo Jonggil’s reaction cooled rapidly. His voice, scoffing, reminded Haeyoon of the confrontation in the church parking lot last time.045ff1cae6d9073d

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How much trouble had he gone through to reconcile them by holding their hands? It wouldn’t be like that today, would it? Just as Haeyoon frowned, Seo Jonggil suddenly started feigning illness.1ec84b9cd14921e8

─ Oh, my back hurts all of a sudden. Uh, son. Your dad will just stop by the hospital for a bit, so let’s talk about that later, okay?f53d7c6974ac85a0

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“It’s no use running away. I’ve decided to date Mister.”c78c4de8a43dbb9f

─ ….2a7523446bbc0949

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A second silence ensued. Thud, something dropped on the other end of the phone, followed by the sounds of staff rushing to check on Seo Jonggil’s well-being. “Mr. President, are you okay?” Amidst the concerned shouts, Seo Jonggil growled.75b89c1588f2c114

─ I’ve said it before, but a man isn’t all about his face! Son, that guy is really not it. His face looks like a gigolo, he’s just a kept man! What’s good about someone who’ll stick a straw in you and suck you dry? Huh? He’s much older than you, almost ready to go to a nursing home! His eyes are weak, and he’s got no manners! Why him of all people! Even if dirt gets in my eyes, he’s not okay!c0a3392509de4db4

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“Dad, you caught Mom with your looks, didn’t you?”1f9bbbb856144060

His mother, whenever she told Haeyoon the story of how she met Seo Jonggil, always said the same thing. He was so handsome that she couldn’t take her eyes off him.5fb41e3642766d07

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Whenever Seo Jonggil heard this, he would brag that if it wasn’t for his face, he wouldn’t have met her, claiming that for men, it’s all about the looks.069a7eebdc94cb68

At Haeyoon’s reminder of this forgotten memory, Seo Jonggil fell silent for a moment before shouting, pretending he hadn’t heard his son.d951096777e607fa

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─ Anyway, absolutely not! How about Kim Anna instead, Haeyoon? Hmm? She’s very polite, and the more you look, the better she gets. I hear she’s chaste before marriage, so her relationships with men and women are very clean.f8e3629052e97a12

“If she’s still single at that age, there must be something wrong with her. Do you believe that?”4387bb6cb0e54a6f

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─ So what? I was a 4ed5cf2239 bachelor before I bc4d0b3147 met your mom! In modern b1a5a61299 terms, what 66a17db4a4 do you 9cfbacb020 call it, 1531bff75e a lifelong 8d492847ef single?2dc73130d3d911f0

“Still, you must have been having sex around. You have no flaws.”f5f34f35de0d1be9

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He knew his father was once a bachelor, but looking at the photos from when he was young, it seemed unlikely that such a handsome man maintained his virginity until he met Haeyoon’s mother. At Haeyoon’s near-filial retort, Seo Jonggil fell silent again. After a long pause, he answered.735366d13729082f

─ That’s… private.4e568df00cd76ee8

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“Oh, please… Anyway, forget it. And stop talking about that announcer. She’s too old! Isn’t she the one who’s almost ready to go to a nursing home? How can you introduce such an old man to your son as his father?”b4daa0c10cd41f26

At Haeyoon’s petulant remark, Seo Jonggil sighed.612170dbbf936d06

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─ Kim Anna looks older because she worked hard when she was young, but she’s still in her 30s. Only 39 years old, I tell you!ef6746d5100b9ab8

“She’ll be 40 tomorrow. That’s old.”d1d935daf862dc50

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Only after f168f5f8e7 saying that c38ef10b80 did Haeyoon 9a2505e2d0 realize that ec63c3059a Kim Anna 5ccf7dd4a0 was just ac982df468 one year d9384d834f older than 8b0ece0cf5 Chae Beomjoon.4a3a207e873245cf

…No. Our Beomjoon is in his prime. One year changes the landscape. It’s a big difference.8cd2491903a35c23

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Haeyoon deliberately 010110a643 ignored this 72f1a4f4b2 fact and 0b2ed2ec6f glossed over 9c4349410f it.cd5363a9cbd6cea9

“No, anyway, I have to go in now. Don’t be late for the evening, Dad.”df457fd542f77868

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─ Okay… Have a good rehearsal. You know your dad loves you, right?883683bbcf2d457d

“…I’ll hang up.”6ef17b153607a780

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Feeling embarrassed, Haeyoon abruptly pressed the end call button. He still wasn’t used to his father’s increasingly affectionate expressions as he grew older. Love? The last time he heard that must have been when he was 9… Haeyoon, touching his cheek awkwardly, headed downstairs.57cc47be60733358

“Hello, teacher.”222b76c724ef66fb

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“Hello!”5271fbf52d0a524b

Although there was still plenty of time before the first rehearsal, the hallway was crowded with orchestra members who had arrived early. Bowing to the members who greeted him, Haeyoon quietly headed to the regular members’ dressing room.581da187443afe19

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He heard that aba6588101 once the construction 3ccaf02901 is finished at a465ba9a48 the beginning of 4bd3ad76d8 next year, they ca168bfb32 would divide the 7ffa9dad11 dressing rooms by e244699d7c instrument, but he a07f38b54d hoped they would 26993a9701 just leave the 45ee2bbcda dressing rooms as d0a22ef410 they are. Just the thought 8a818d8402 of being in 3fb5f02165 a cramped space e9f4a3cf19 with the vice-principal 1aabce8462 made him feel d845fc6a63 sick.5451c8e10a3cd8a3

“…So Jin Suryeon.”43ec548fc523ca43

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As he was passing ae888b05ab through the hallway, he 7b38851a0e heard a familiar name, c23096aadd and Haeyoon inadvertently turned b0c0917ef3 his head toward the c603640034 sound. One of the d480748ce0 people inside the ffabca365d dressing room, glancing b0396836be at the hallway 125f7adcc6 while talking, met 1fda78ae03 his eyes. It was a3ffc16d9e the conductor.ff386b5f0d389b40

Slightly flustered, Haeyoon checked the sign; he was passing by the conductor’s dressing room. He felt like he had eavesdropped on their conversation, but the door was wide open, so it couldn’t be helped. Is this my fault? Haeyoon quickly became confident. Since they had made eye contact, he decided to greet them. He stopped in his tracks, bowed, and greeted the conductor.4ba4962a68e3460b

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“Hello, teacher.”d15623bf0440a6c0

“Good morning, Mr. Seo.”b76769e5d1dcb82e

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The conductor smiled warmly. Beside him was a man Haeyoon had never seen before, with a not-so-pleasant face. Haeyoon awkwardly bowed to him as well and tried to pass by when the conductor suddenly said, “Ah,” and introduced the man to Haeyoon.66f8fc5ebbb845d2

“Mr. Seo. This is Music Director Kim Cheongkyung. He’ll be working with us from next year, and he’s a senior from Jin Suryeon’s school, so he’ll occasionally drop by during January rehearsals. It’s good to meet him in advance.”315456c15d980cb3

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“Oh, I see.”44dd80953a29be46

A senior from Jin Suryeon’s school. He must have been the reason they could cast him for the symphony orchestra. Feeling grateful, Haeyoon nodded and was about to step inside when Kim Cheongkyung quickly walked out of the door before the conductor finished speaking.34bd92017e6bea44

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“Double bass Mr. Seo? Mr. Seo Haeyoon, right?”460ad2b954f37bee

“Yes, nice to meet you. I’m Seo Haeyoon.”ec22d6bdf7788bc9

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To have his d6c298c5db name known already b94f103bff felt strange. Feeling a bit 3baf28c7e2 embarrassed, Haeyoon bowed 085abd4ceb when Kim Cheongkyung 0ba8220222 suddenly reached out 07a6bc2d0b and grabbed his d3587b08ec dangling hand.2a99045c465c741d

“I’m Kim Cheongkyung. Wow, you’re even prettier than I thought.”2763d6cd7655ed98

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It wasn’t a handshake. His thick thumb slowly rubbed against Haeyoon’s hand back, a dirty gesture more suited to a club.bd866779c65007cc

Why is he like ff3a8fddfc this? Confused, Haeyoon tried to 768064f21f pull his hand away, b8a36171c1 frowning slightly, but the 57a6657e39 grip was incredibly strong, 560ba2e6de making his fingers hurt.237138b78f48f2fd

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“…”8ce0247fabb65258

It was the first time he had been treated like this at work. Instantly displeased, Haeyoon looked up at Kim Cheongkyung instead of shaking his hand off. At his glaring look, Kim Cheongkyung’s smile twisted. A familiar sneer appeared in his eyes.f79ec5662827ddbc

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That was very familiar to Haeyoon. A vile smile that looked down on someone. What’s this…? Feeling his chest chill, Haeyoon gritted his teeth.e28c3eed558352bf

“Please take good care of me. You’re really pretty and handsome. Yeah, our orchestra needs someone like you as a signboard. I’ve always felt it was lacking, everyone except the conductor, haha! Don’t you think?”76da02bbf03dfb07

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He had never cared about the members’ faces. Or rather, he had never been subjected to such comments about his appearance.5403f70a10b3d555

But in Korea, within less than a month, he had heard this twice, which was genuinely irritating. He was already annoyed with the vice-principal, and now even someone who claims to be the music director…3f096247f8dbc90a

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If Kim Geonwoo, 6096f0d528 the conductor, retires 8592e93ecd and Kim Cheongkyung 58fef8fa28 becomes the music f3957d91ba director and resident 6b22ceecc3 conductor, Haeyoon decided ad876a1038 he would resign 73a581b251 immediately, and he 11eaf21d7b responded:6e6badd13561259e

“Well, I’ve never bothered to look at others’ faces unnecessarily.”3daca0a5a0481e3a

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At his cold reply, Kim Cheongkyung fell silent. Raising his eyebrows as if to say, “Look at this guy,” Haeyoon raised his eyes in response. What, what are you going to do? A tense silence fell.8816f223be3077db

Haeyoon could tolerate conflicts among members, but he would never put up with unfair treatment from someone superior. That wasn’t something he should endure; it was just workplace injustice.7c49812f1d2b9e92

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“Do you have anything more to say?”5fcf8823050aade7

At his sharp question, Kim Cheongkyung finally scoffed lightly and let go of his hand. Thud, Haeyoon’s hand dropped roughly as if discarded, which was also unpleasant, especially when compared to someone who cherished his hands like they were the most precious thing in the world.a4525f1d8eb6ebd8

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“No. You need to prepare for rehearsal, and I’ve kept you too long.”b834ae17fbea44c2

“Yeah, I guess so.”4b40e1c3c668ed29

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“…”4816aa5a9764dcfe

“Then, see you next time.”93489c3c4c4f7fde

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Giving a perfunctory 41db531663 greeting to Kim d181a3a443 Cheongkyung, who was e4051a6c95 speaking insincerely, Haeyoon eb74230361 bowed to the c3573697b7 conductor and turned c49ed6adb6 around. He wanted to 8a807f6225 leave this place d5e3785cc2 as soon as 8952a644c7 possible.627337a8b0c947ee

Behind Haeyoon, Kim Cheongkyung a2aab18e1b closed the dressing room 914fc6aa68 door. Creak, between the sounds 18e03a7272 of the old hinges, 8c570bd98f his voice speaking to 4c8dd11e58 the conductor could be 8b2c18224a heard.98b3b35e27e0f3fe

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Behind Haeyoon, Kim 700cca5810 Cheongkyung closed the 0dae3751c0 dressing room door. Creak, amidst 6b7349e9a6 the sound b201f37d3f of the eee16c1ead old hinges, c639ab80ba his voice e8e458906d speaking to 95666be5e6 the conductor 04ac2baead was heard.a09552cc57e837ad

“Someone the Chief would take notice of…”31f4809a5b54c34b

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Caught by that 2c242c41e8 word, Haeyoon suddenly 777ac04248 stopped and turned 19cdd5ea59 around with a c8317ed7f2 blank expression. However, unlike 725e0d87bf before, no 8c721d97c0 sound came a0d52c881d from beyond 0ea4147e9c the tightly 15fe1c8c1c shut door.328d91413549e9f9

Silence settled in the hallway, and although nothing held him back, Haeyoon couldn’t leave. The word “Chief” stuck in his mind like a hook. Even though they had just met, Kim Cheongkyung’s disdainful reaction and the word he just uttered strangely irritated Haeyoon.87bec6b348dc236f

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Chief, the face that came to mind with that was Chae Beomjoon’s.7e81d049bd7f042a

But the cef821d41f form of 7ac47c60f6 suspicion was 23fe995f9b not clear. A peculiar 23be91a387 intuition hovered 58757e4b9c vaguely in 6539b2fbe4 his mind.942df55ebbcd4c08

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There must be more than one or two people with that title in the world, so why was it bothering him so much? When they went to the hospital together, Chae Beomjoon was called “Chief” by the medical staff, but that wasn’t his unique title.6aff9e2afb9d98d6

It was natural that the Chief Kim Cheongkyung knew was different from Chae Beomjoon, the secretary Haeyoon knew. Maybe it was an extension of the conversation they were having before he passed by…884e49a564efbfb5

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It was an 7259b3b98d overreaction. Haeyoon shook 378acaba79 his head, db69bb77e4 finding it 439b0d65ef ridiculous that 4c5bf9f430 he was a6cff88516 getting nervous d7c2addcde over just 715485ccf8 a title, 815c7eb70b and he cbf26a8dd6 moved on. There was 98f144d074 no way.5fb903ba58a2500e

“Hello.”b02d41c12b6d1a34

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“Hello, teacher!”9d7811c64269de47

Upon entering the dressing ede324423b room, two familiar members 5e089633f0 greeted him. The cellist Park ffc5f73c25 Giwon, who would d44fc75db4 perform in the 9e5687270f piano quintet with 46bc4aa819 him, waved. Next to Park Giwon c23ee80812 sat Jung Yeonhee, the 219d64599b second viola who had aef067942c shown interest in Haeyoon. Haeyoon walked toward them 288251736a without hesitation.450d5dd9e0baf771

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After Park Giwon 79b54d77da had talked about 1edda8a576 the vice-principal in ebe046f4c6 early December, they 2451a5ea56 had become quite 8abf0be51e friendly. The easy-going Park bf557c2cc3 Giwon had acknowledged c6fb5d3f20 Haeyoon whenever he c11a6f02d0 entered the dressing c66557c2b1 room or rehearsal 7a37650468 room since then, f0980883cd turning what was b88f95ee63 once an awkward a5c8e4bd7e seating into a b043600f9b natural one.9bdcd1f2b89e3539

“Hello,” Haeyoon bowed to them, placed his soft case against the nearest wall, and went to the cabinet to hang up his coat. Everyone was dressed in white shirts and black trousers for the performance. Haeyoon was also wearing a neat dress shirt and black suit pants. His neatly combed hair complemented his elegant face.232183c4b5289065

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“…But it’s kind of daunting to try. The price is one thing, and it’s also troublesome to get.”4d94437493313870

“Ah, I see. Teacher, sit here.”2266d5ce6b0fa114

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After hanging 8f3cda984d up his bbe0a6c0d0 coat and 79dbcee251 returning to 90642e50e2 his seat, 9cce0cfd41 Park Giwon cf6607469f offered the cffca5ca31 chair next 34b2ee2a1a to him. The two d111b991a3 who had 22a361c56c been discussing 3ba2408e28 rosin smiled d7ba152bc0 kindly at 21b105d56e Haeyoon.14f66f19a03bdfdf

Having a friend like this in the symphony orchestra was a first for him. Previously, due to conflicts with people who didn’t like him, even those who approached him naturally drifted away.cd88cedab5412517

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But now, there was a dressing room where members welcomed him when he came to work… Feeling a bit awkward with this new sensation, Haeyoon sat in the chair Park Giwon offered and joined the conversation. He did have some social skills when it came to choosing the right people.0314c0b432ab0d40

“Are you talking about Benzoin rosin?”958f724145fad5ef

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“Yes, yes. A senior told me he tried it once and it was so good that he boasted his violin sounded like a Guarneri. Puhah!”691cd0fcbbda022c

“Oh…”886bb18d8641847e

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“But how much was it? Several tens per piece?”e7a67375adc94c4d

Even what was generally called good rosin cost tens of thousands of won. When something exceeded a hundred thousand won, everyone would be surprised, saying, “Is there such a thing?” Benzoin rosin from the Benz family was priced at several hundred thousand won per piece.5ca7febd71916075

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The rosin was made a5cce7d310 by a craftsman from dde37123a2 a family with centuries 672065a772 of tradition, and since 3852718f76 there was no successor 135069b241 to the craftsman and e36810d4ab his health was deteriorating, a0c7797cb2 the production was decreasing, 29e2a908eb which drove up the 7ff82c88dd price like a fine e67a0daecd wine each year. Musicians who 476ea4e99e only used c60cec41b3 Benzoin rosin d5a13dc18d were desperately b2c8d045a7 collecting it.dad7b288cdfca704

“Last year it was around 60, wasn’t it? It was 400 euros, so probably around that.”466ef930bfb82633

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“Huh, have you tried it?”f791d8ffd5e81a9e

“Yes, once. I got it as a gift.”e118ee2451ae6fe1

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“Wow, crazy. That’s amazing. How was it? Did it make the sound like water flowing?”27a70dfa715662c4

The sound ebe9e3fcd4 of string ebc1884c69 instruments could 7bf8fd0143 vary greatly def9a5cd8b depending on edab178357 humidity, temperature, c13e9be037 the type bb4cc46955 of horsehair dc618b70bd used for 2c4e77c7d7 the bow, 8c3fe16d4b whether it 85c2fd01d5 was bleached 7994cdc41d or not, 2f1907cac0 and which c2ab540f22 rosin was 9d4de730a8 used. There was 4f4a7c0e93 a reason 2f6a3ca0ba musicians could 96d6472bf0 be so 6f62aa2216 particular.8da778708a95ea5a

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Among them, Benzoin rosin 92900f5bf1 was known for producing 27ce7bb6da a very smooth sound. It was particularly 4c5ced03b2 popular among those 4989b4c3c2 who played smoothly.fd68d3693f5a5d2f

“It was quite smooth.”cd7b2e007b9e2a77

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Even Haeyoon’s double bass made a peculiarly smooth sound when played with a bow coated with Benzoin rosin. It was quite strange to hear a sound like water flowing from scraping steel strings. However, since it didn’t match Haeyoon’s taste, he remembered only trying it once and then stashing it away.9880cc9a3971ec4d

“Wow, that’s awesome. As expected, a golden spoon! I want to try it too.”454d234ba23f1512

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Park Giwon sparkled his eyes while giving a double thumbs-up. The “golden spoon” mentioned by the vice-principal and by Park Giwon felt different. Unlike the vice-principal’s comments that infuriated Haeyoon with his inferiority complex, Park Giwon’s mention was just pure envy. His innocence seemed to clear Haeyoon’s mind as well. Park Giwon was really a nice person.6ba0b6780b77030b

“Would you like me to give you one? I don’t use them.”bae970d92b7cc473

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“What? Not just lend, but give?! Oh, no, that’s too expensive, and if I get used to it, I might not be able to go back… No, no, that would be bankruptcy.”07a71f3c56f1e3e3

“Oh, really. Are you afraid of getting addicted, Park teacher? Benzoin addiction.”158c5f64c66d911a

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Next to afbcf0ef11 Park Giwon, d06c069fc6 who was 9a8a031213 shaking his 7d01a71ce4 head, Jung 5235dd860e Yeonhee laughed, aef9edd83f helping him 4f382dc26c out. Haeyoon thought of 198291b7b5 the vice-principal looking e6908fdc9c at a Pernambuco a60855d138 bow with greedy 8d821aa09d eyes. Unlike him, seeing someone b84ceb5587 not greedy made Haeyoon 58fa899bbb feel good. Touching his 5ffc5cb563 cheek awkwardly, ce9fcbf4b5 he turned 775b76ad42 to Park a5094ad575 Giwon.3605fa5ba55fb341

“Then just try it once. I’ll lend it to you.”620c7cd3ba6da318

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“I really want to try it, but seriously! I’m worried I might get ‘gear fever’ badly. I have car payments to make.”ccbbe99bbf4f9613

“Oh, Park teacher! Just try it once. Let me hear it too.”c0aa77b1d36056f1

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“Then, Jung teacher should try it with me. It’s almost new.”477ef14609a229b2

“Huh, me? I… won’t say no.”e33153182e7dda12

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“Oh, what!”efe8c652ce7c1e41

When Jung Yeonhee 029898d176 accepted readily, Park 877e0834e5 Giwon raised his 51dd4d4a88 eyebrows to say 4ff75923b9 it was too 378ddb7e5e much. The comical scene made bf58d1d34b Haeyoon burst out laughing. Looking at Park Giwon, c5992f2a85 Haeyoon made a playful faa3b5a2e0 remark.46eea80c6b500b98

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“Then, teacher, after you play once, let’s drink right away. To black out your memory. If you pass out, I’ll sweep away any remaining rosin dust next to you.”86a794d790db5a5e

At the suggestion 27dbf90c90 of inducing a 2c280b7fd2 blackout to destroy 3b6e689137 evidence after playing, 4bd5c83404 Park Giwon burst c4733377ee into laughter in 414a26bb20 surprise. Puhahaha, he 42d559fbca laughed, not 83bda49ab1 expecting Haeyoon c12745980d to make 2042130784 such a 1b2c193f7b joke, and 80f8efa5e2 Haeyoon also 8ec7725e86 laughed embarrassedly 7b2006ae15 beside him.b0a114feecbcf233

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He was used 1ebdb794e3 to being disliked. He never thought 1e3be28c5d he could live c110138126 such a harmonious a3e73576b8 life in the 44b810a763 symphony orchestra.81c8ca51fe29bdfb

So Haeyoon had previously made an effort to ignore the members. He always told himself that colleagues didn’t matter, that as long as he did well, it was enough.5f3bfc6906178f8f

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But the peace he gained through Chae Beomjoon had more profound effects than Haeyoon had anticipated. During quintet rehearsals, there were often times when Park Giwon would match Haeyoon’s breathing, or Haeyoon would support Park Giwon’s performance. These moments, which were impossible without mutual goodwill and trust, surprised Haeyoon each time they occurred.a43815c01aa6c6ac

And each time, 7cfa64139e Haeyoon found himself 9cbf67bff4 reflecting on past 7bb2d14b00 events. There was a reason fa5598ec1c he ended up in 5f9677c8fe New York. Along with 243f3c9464 this realization, 8632ffb406 there was 0528151f44 also a 15e8008d86 sense of afa23ce663 regret about a7222fda5c the past.95ce258437d246d3

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“But if I meet Jin Suryeon, I might really cry. What if I get fired after crying? Park Giwon teacher, I’m sorry, but you’ll have to leave. I can’t play in a quintet with someone with such emotional swings.”504c1be603c463d6

Park Giwon, while continuing the conversation, mimicked the conductor’s polite tone, disqualifying himself. Seo Haeyoon and Jung Yeonhee laughed in disbelief, and Park Giwon chuckled and sighed.cdd1348c726b7d5c

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But the next 382f9aa31f moment, he glanced 2fd57218e8 at one side 072da397c8 of the dressing bd2d58ff42 room and whispered 7a9fd6bd39 with a slight 0237edba69 frown.41493c9e9f6cd446

“He’s looking again. Here we go again.”d3c5d7c05b15182e

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When I looked in the mirror at those words, I saw the deputy principal of the double bass, who had taken a seat in one corner of the waiting room, staring intently at me. Although there were a few of his cronies around, he wasn’t joining in their conversation; he just glared at us with a look of disdain. To be precise, he was glaring at Haeyoon.390ddaa3c8edb8a3

Jung Yeonhee, who had fd11d1a024 glanced at him, whispered 08f87e6d01 with an expression of 848b07ebe5 disgust.e44ee199e41190b2

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“Do you know why he’s like that? It’s because Teacher Seo is working so hard. Teacher Park, do you remember what we always hear at the company dinners?”e6384d14340a23ff

“Oh, right! I know, I know.”d65b50c29cda279a

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In response to her question, Park Giwon sighed as if he understood, his eyes wide open. Soon, he leaned in as if to share a secret again. Although Haeyoon wasn’t particularly interested in the deputy principal’s feelings, he listened quietly to their conversation.8ab368ac50dd7c5e

“Teacher Seo doesn’t know yet, right? We only have a full company dinner very occasionally at the academy. I’ve attended about twice, and he always said something like this. He says that in an orchestra, you only perform as well as you’re paid. But since he’s not getting the proper treatment, he’s not giving 100% here.”592a579a575969b7

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“…What does that even mean?”d85641205479e5ad

It didn’t make sense. What was he saying about his ability? When Haeyoon furrowed his brows and asked again, Park Giwon laughed as if he expected this and continued.c16c3d6b72be065b

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“So, he’s just packaging his lack of skill. It’s like saying, ‘I’m not bad; I just don’t play properly because my salary is low. I can’t perform at my level for this pay!'”69f3ec707e0b9c85

“But during practice…”a01fdfdac8bac772

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Haeyoon trailed off. The deputy principal 79b67166cc was so sensitive 217cc0347d that it was fbabe0c4ed hard to believe 226e7401db he would say ecb11671f9 such things; he d48aa76378 was the type 0b0719d8e6 to raise his 1509fcb519 hand and stop 6af0985344 practice if he 0584987a41 made a mistake, cc697a0868 showing how much 085d1329a1 pride he took 67ebeb1694 in his ability.63dbdbdce820e46a

“That’s why it’s funny. Everyone knows he’s so meticulous, but when he gets drunk, he says stuff like that. Honestly, everyone wants to do well, and if you’re lacking, you just work harder. But why make excuses like that out of wounded pride?”f3b9babe55d7ac1a

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“Ah…”c788b2459305e2e9

“It’s a complex result of inferiority and vanity, I guess.”c32cd12b23ec661e

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Summing up Park Giwon’s words in one sentence, Jung Yeonhee whispered while tilting her head towards him.94b07516aaf0af70

“Teacher Seo works much harder than others, right? He even stays back to practice sometimes.”f7dff46357c4e8ac

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Really? I thought I was working hard, but I never considered myself much different from others. Since I wasn’t curious about how others practice, I didn’t pay attention, making comparison impossible.6490fb546c432d6e

“We’re on opposite sides of the stage.”2b8306760b9ab0d7

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When the stage is 28917aa5c8 divided into left and ab3664f870 right, the viola is 78908331dc on the left, and 573b3f8a22 Seo Haeyoon is on e85361d744 the right. Jung Yeonhee explained this, 2bf15fce21 gesturing with her hand.5798adb6faaea0cb

“From my side, when I look over there, only your expression is different. He’s envious because you’re so absorbed in your performance. He’s annoyed that you’re good and hardworking while he can’t even do well.”f29bb9c3d6e35ea7

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“…”1880e3f4f9b4eddd

In fact, it was a bitter realization that he was making excuses about the orchestra because he didn’t want to admit his own abilities. Haeyoon knew well the despair that came from feeling inferior, so he felt a bitter taste in his mouth upon hearing this. However, this didn’t make him feel sympathetic towards the deputy principal.febd50a2ca4bc8b2

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Haeyoon also 07bfe1899b struggled with 6b2f57ee7d feelings of 21baa7e745 inferiority. But he b09110f47d always did 8eb9724280 his best dc0a8d276f to leave 7423ce4e4b no regrets, c91b7835fe to not dfd0654810 regress.ef0da789761c48f6

Yet, the deputy principal didn’t use his inferiority as motivation for improvement; instead, he used it as an excuse to belittle and attack Haeyoon. All that would do is damage his already wounded pride further. Haeyoon didn’t want to understand this type of person.439f4a48f8f0e477

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I thought 89222463de he was a2f7dac4a5 sharpening his 930bb41966 attitude towards 6a4b3f0876 me because 746f1acc29 he was 39c63ca9b0 a fan c6771c54fe of Jin 0280e7f8d1 Suryeon, but 54dd31195d to hate f5c5f25f0e me through 61db7cf096 such complex 5398f05016 thoughts was cee848284b pitiful. If Haeyoon were in 1f4bef4c57 his shoes, he would ce46059fc8 have used that energy 292a595b6d for practice.d530421a2eaea041

“Just ignore him.”4c4ce13168f62ac2

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At that moment, Haeyoon, whose eyes met his through the mirror, said this without avoiding the deputy principal’s gaze. Whether he heard his voice or not, the deputy principal gritted his teeth and stood up. It was none of his business. Getting agitated before rehearsal would only harm him.9ee2649b8b47f9c3

“I wish he wouldn’t act like that at his age, really… Oh, Teacher Seo, you have a call.”8ab837366b9958ec

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Jung Yeonhee, who had been quietly clicking her tongue, suddenly pointed at Haeyoon’s phone, which was placed beside him. There were 20 minutes left until the first rehearsal. Confirming he had time for a quick call, Haeyoon stood up.5c9d1d9e224e2985

“I’ll be right back. If I’m late, go ahead without me.”4ec3af4a5e0a473f

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“Sure. Oh, my nephew’s name is Beomjoon too.”c944f96b5a305171

Seeing the name on 600708f93c the screen, Park Giwon c9e7bd411f pointed out a small 64e3214033 commonality between him and b2c43f078d Haeyoon. Seo Haeyoon responded 61448e5456 with a small 0e5559977e laugh.b343c2e3d69ec178

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“It’s my boyfriend.”9d29d50e2eef6237

Surprised by the very b3469e8f73 masculine name for a 1c8810373b lover, they watched as 1ae85e32d3 Haeyoon left the waiting a1812ecdba room. It was b9eddc15a5 only natural 1d1f1c1d94 that the 2f3e0966c6 deputy principal, a808c12d34 who was 9c0169dcbd approaching Haeyoon, cc1b084401 also headed 7e3ca57481 toward the 116b8a55d2 exit. Haeyoon ignored his 3ede649521 presence and answered 53297e0998 the call.d6e75101e2ae380c

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“Hello, Beomjoon.”09a6da651b5f23ac

“Ha!”448cb58f29fa85b4

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— Haeyoon?9b86ff7d00722874

But along with Chae Beomjoon’s answer came a scoff from the deputy principal behind him. Why is he like that? Feeling annoyed, Haeyoon looked back and then quickly walked up to the first floor.73e8f35572e75702

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Except for cc1bcda746 the occasional df18782208 staff members dae7b79cd3 walking around, 593b61a419 the lobby 0d1c55b168 was still 191e1c803b empty. He bowed 12fbd0c3db to the 42dacaca6d member entering 810b62e07c from the 36fa02dd9b entrance and 412866f21f moved behind cd1f501c41 the Christmas df1db88bae tree in 8746e9edef the corner 29f3626329 of the e59c835a1a lobby.5ae8df843f77cc84

“Are you at home?”b810cf05b3dee45c

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Looking at the time, it seemed he had just arrived home. It was quiet around him. He answered Haeyoon’s question with a low laugh.4916e04dc072fc17

— Yes, I just arrived. I thought I’d call before eating and taking a bath. Hasn’t the rehearsal started yet?63d75f87733ff504

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“No, not yet. We have 20 minutes left, but I need to go in soon.”b3677006d1380c9c

— Okay, how’s your stomach? Aren’t you hungry? Should I have packed you a lunch?d3ce2e44fb095495

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“No, I’m better off skipping lunch. What about you, Mister? What are you having for lunch?”6737d551bdbfe98e

Even while 1feb4e8788 talking about d53b18195e trivial things, 1d4b79d2e7 a smile 176c665787 spread across 998ddc1cca his lips, a84d375b43 and he 078ddd03bc felt good. Haeyoon listened 6869e3d97a to his 42c02c9c84 voice coming 9b8382b16a from the cb9a4d6ecf other side d1ca7e50bf of the 7e34a1f1df phone, looking 2cdf3a37b8 up at 6aea9e2b77 the tree.7c94c7c32e56e11c

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The ornaments c7fdb4d776 were beautifully 9e8337c9ca sparkling in c3b2c87f68 the sunlight 2fa749840c coming through babc3f158f the window. It was dazzling.3860b5fcfdd15b32

— Well, with no one around, I don’t feel like eating… I was thinking of fasting with you. What’s the point of eating alone when you’re fasting?ea9c86462d8d5f9f

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“Sure, then fast. You’ll be fine until tomorrow, right?”7aceb3fc983e6a33

— …Now that I think about it, if I fast for too long, I’ll lose muscle. Muscle is like wealth when you’re old; can’t be having sex with a cane, can we?15eef65ea089682e

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“You’re such a fool, really…”65ecf75bbef9b0df

He found it amusing how he changed his tone after saying something he didn’t mean. Haeyoon’s eyes softened with laughter, but the joy in his eyes soon turned cold as he spotted the deputy principal, who had followed him to the lobby, glaring at him with rage.631ce9705f334658

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“…”ab9978368a7051f4

When their eyes met, the deputy principal didn’t avoid Haeyoon’s gaze but glared back. From his small pupils, envy, jealousy, and anger were clearly visible even from a distance. Although no words were exchanged, his eyes were raining down with an indescribable contempt towards Haeyoon.3149a52e8df6ecb1

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Why does 17bcbe156f he hate dd599474d0 me so 5563c64505 much?18032c1f2bfb0ff0

That uncomfortable 44c2a504d4 feeling, which 259fb000b3 had been 7dd378a6bb lingering like 62dfb11f15 a loose 90c112deb6 thread in f5f323054c his mind, efadce80da surfaced at 4956425a86 that moment.eb6766c0a0b752e5

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As evidenced f72bb09cc1 by his 0be76e0cd4 anger for a5e07d7672 nearly two 876d9ecde9 months over c1458a7b60 the quintet, 6c21347cce the deputy 7639293039 principal had ca65290247 a significant 00f1d50323 attachment to 02dbc094b4 his skills 4a334b3f75 and performances, 7074e48c33 along with c3e2248169 considerable pride. His inability to match 2272271087 that pride with his 2651e28147 skills created the kind 6f99ac8a13 of cruel human he 9064cb94a2 was.43f416c4c8b7e9bc

Though he didn’t want to admit it, the deputy principal seemed strict with himself. How much he practiced was unknown, but he was so sensitive to sound that he often delayed practice for tuning issues right before. This was confirmed by how his confrontations with Haeyoon were always limited to after practice.ddc8f0bc4dc12bb8

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Yet here he was, following Haeyoon to the lobby just before the first rehearsal of the year’s most significant event, the Christmas special performance, glaring at him.e2aeb936594673b9

They had never spoken before a practice or rehearsal, yet now, the deputy principal’s face clearly showed his desire to confront Haeyoon. Even if a dispute would affect not just Haeyoon but him as well, his level of agitation or indifference to its impact showed Haeyoon an indescribable discomfort.c0555d36116b752e

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‘Chief…’69a7bcae6f7631a7

Why did e7b79e21bd the voice 503f19d768 he heard 91d92cf8ff earlier suddenly f9c7f791f9 come back ff8328c302 to him?9540ee8ba71f5973

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Chief.347137bac4154de7

And Chae Beomjoon.7b8bc7f685bd7136

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Much stronger 9db3ce3796 than before, 56c78ca2ae his instincts 7ad975f794 sent a 29167903cd sharp message, 83dd308c1f urging him 3b68ff1fc6 to lower 318f537ef7 his eyes.889efaf8b75ef421

Haeyoon had felt this sensation many times before. When past lovers left their phones lying around and started making calls out of his earshot. When a scent reminiscent of an ex-boyfriend came from someone introduced as just a friend. When someone claimed they were late due to snow blocking the road, yet their car’s heater was blowing cold air.c809deb5b530e3ef

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From all these situations, Haeyoon’s suspicions had arisen, and his intuition had never been wrong. He easily discerned that they were deceiving him.4fc8aabeafe3d4fe

— If my muscles disappear, you’ll lose out too, won’t you? Isn’t that right?14d8df7f69b2e3c7

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“…That’s right.”7c00d2c4569b6f4f

Chae Beomjoon’s gentle voice gradually receded.87ad15760d9676fd

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The memories he 0e34e67696 thought had melted 40ba9b619b away beneath his 0cbd92c366 consciousness began to 9f48ad06d9 surface one by 2a38fad947 one, like thorns.0dd17c4eff45eff9

What seemed strange… was, in fact, not just one or two incidents.0111868246565a0c

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“You dress like a kid when you’re not going to work.”a5514b2a7cadc77f

It was the day they accidentally met on the street. The tone seemed as if he knew Haeyoon wasn’t working that day. Hearing this, Haeyoon felt a strange discomfort and asked how he knew. Chae Beomjoon replied that it would be odd not to know, given Haeyoon’s attire.0492592d2daeb735

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“How did you end up with a place to live around here?”97da88a6fd5e9e43

That question was also 75a1aba93b very strange. The excuses that 1c14661783 followed were not 7e71213fc1 entirely implausible, but 2de8ed7146 the tone clearly f01c38058c suggested he knew dc77534490 Haeyoon had moved a2e7cb7e76 there.f6c6ed73f26a6a5b

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“…”cb058c94704059d0

— I have something to tell you tonight…586eb7e2f663ac3f

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Chae Beomjoon was the chief secretary assisting the CEO at DG O&M, and the CEO of DG O&M was also the director of the Seonseon Symphony Orchestra. And even though they had never met, the deputy director, whose name kept coming up around Haeyoon, was someone who assists the director at Seonseon Symphony Orchestra.1ad2eab24cd217ac

“What if I were the deputy director? What if I could make you a soloist with just a snap of my fingers?”ca8a7a6395f2f2b8

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Chae Beomjoon had asked Haeyoon this question once before, and considering the commonalities between the positions of chief secretary and deputy director, it wouldn’t be surprising if Chae Beomjoon was the deputy director. However, he had claimed he was too busy to pay attention to such matters…5f218e43cece5fe6

The doctors at the comprehensive hospital under DG naturally referred to Chae Beomjoon as “Chief.” Likewise, the music director of the Seonseon Symphony Orchestra, also under DG, used the title “Chief.”6315952359bd6181

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“It’s the Seonseon Private Symphony Orchestra. It’s at the Seonseon Grand Theater.”9cc7648855f1418b

“That’s a pretty name. Like your name.”9bd1a8ba90a960e1

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Moreover, although Chae Beomjoon must have known about the Seonseon Private Symphony Orchestra, he acted completely unaware when Haeyoon mentioned the name of the academy. If, when Haeyoon said he would try to get tickets through a friend, Chae Beomjoon already knew he worked at Seonseon Academy…683914d68d8eee24

It felt like pieces of a puzzle that didn’t fit were coming together to form one picture. With a chilling sensation in his chest, Haeyoon’s face hardened.8bbca0a896528726

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Looking back, the 2b8487d581 deputy principal had 21e4ca2254 started talking about 1898849004 the deputy director 3635412a6e after Chae Beomjoon 853dcd4995 visited the orchestra a7e4c177d5 on Halloween. What had started as 8d0882cb6e a light skirmish had 96bd47c450 turned into a fierce ee480f561b rivalry after that.5a26e40f0594f7a6

— Haeyoon? Are you listening?7b081e35bad539fd

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His stomach churned, and a5669072c6 his heart was restless. Haeyoon swallowed dryly f4d8c399e0 and opened his 2dee10ea55 mouth, calling out d487f6baed the name of 3c5f266638 the man who ca5faa07f8 had whispered his 8590654550 name so affectionately.1cbd112b3ff25e2e

“Beomjoon.”5791e33cd8ea60c3

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As he mentioned that f2110ff2d3 name while leaving the 5968baedcb waiting room, the deputy 2b632b1f3a principal had burst into 222cd43249 a mocking laugh from 04cb70f959 behind. There must 2489b951a2 be a c4ad293f20 reason for fc6c26a5c2 it.4543d8a0881321e1

Yet, even 01bf1ffd23 when the 51efea79a0 truth of a88f6d6631 his suspicions 807250273e became clear, 2f6fb85804 Haeyoon did b53fa99873 not let 7d5ab43326 go of 3619c461bf the thread 26e3735ec7 of trust d1b9634cd1 towards him. His feelings, 64d433d6e9 though shaken, c426782b36 were not fa64e04854 rooted shallowly fc1db784c6 enough to 6607c575d0 be pulled b70aa81401 out so 517eef02c3 easily. Haeyoon closed 877b10fa2a and then 6390bfe4b8 opened his ca0fa1025a eyes before 3354349c55 speaking.b8eb04ff23522b27

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“You haven’t lied to me, right?”86f1e779bf4a9871

— …Why would you say that?96313a69e25e646d

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“Is there, or isn’t there?”9438a1275eb70ad3

His heart was 4b20a08963 trembling. Tension rose 69b240e59c to his a617615b1d throat, making 91ad49aa0e him feel b7bf6164c0 like he 89b1c3f3ca might vomit. Haeyoon licked 48d68e10d2 his dry 09f15a201e lips and de54a845c2 sighed instead d1af427f73 of retching.6ccbd1aec0c1f3fb

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If there had been a lie, it needed to be confessed right now. Then, he could forgive it once. Just once…7b07e9fe178edb09

The almost completed puzzle was shimmering before his eyes. Haeyoon hoped he wouldn’t have to complete it with his own hands and waited for the answer.569898b21d36a5b0

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— There’s been no such thing.afdd00e8262b0259

But Chae Beomjoon was firm. His voice cut off any possibility with a decisiveness that suggested such a thing wouldn’t happen, and Haeyoon’s heart, which had been fluttering, gradually calmed down.cb8c09f6a3a365a6

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His mind was still tumultuous, but Haeyoon decided to trust Chae Beomjoon, pulling himself together. He felt that this man wouldn’t have deceived him over something so important. There were several “Chiefs” in the world; even doubting him based on that seemed something he should apologize for.5b7d102ffa090fb5

The judgment that all 944499238d this was mere coincidence aab7bf4efe reassured Haeyoon. Shaking off the suspicion 2d33ddfe57 that had swelled like 9c9d3adf18 a passing shower, leaving 74e7bf04ac only the trace of 578b9dd52a rain, Haeyoon exhaled a 58f1de20e5 thin breath.016dd13e7dd18d24

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“Yes…”f97635eff254fcef

Had the staff turned on the heating to warm up the cold lobby? Suddenly, the warmth of the heater reached his fingertips. Naturally, Chae Beomjoon’s image came to mind. Imagining the man who had bowed his head in respect to his fingers dozens, perhaps hundreds of times, completely calmed his agitation.71cceb47f4065955

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During their time together, it wasn’t just Chae Beomjoon who had nurtured his feelings. Haeyoon, too, had grown to like Chae Beomjoon with an affection larger than ever before. The suspicion could no longer shake Haeyoon’s deeply rooted affection for him.9b5c7801e95a8fef

As his mind 0b5b6e36dd cleared, irritation began 7d04fec7ec to rise slowly.1d3b024f05832f62

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Did he f1d6b6c221 really have add2b08565 to pick e71971c263 a fight 6b526d7dc2 on such 2c94e1a0ac an important 2c98a38bb6 day? It seemed 518262bcde like he 08543f4be1 had even 74f320e341 thrown away 8bea89b611 what little 18e876e335 professional consciousness 2cd740ae22 he had 04ba7164c2 left, despite 65c6cb6110 his lack 4e54657c81 of skill.51d5c16873e9f1f4

If the deputy principal 687034cc7d truly thought he was 251cbf0746 better than Haeyoon, he 2844d75031 should have restrained himself 8e77f6fcf3 on this day of 96b4ee3995 the performance. But for someone 93751aee07 who knew that db32c67a08 if the double 8dd1f2a7bf bass, which handles fff2e2f893 the bass line, a662e358f1 wavered, the whole 9d93ba3f6b piece would waver, 39dff68b6c to act like c6776552fe this was just 6a3a74c917 pitiful.61ba627f7e608aa1

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“Okay. See you later.”0b1f0ac92d022b76

— …Do well in the rehearsal.0922692ecaaa2a7e

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“Yes.”0f8890871bd8e00b

Feeling disgusted, 51645fdb8c he quickly 02e35e10d3 ended the 4d604c3719 call. The moment the a771c963ba connection with Chae b3608a7ba4 Beomjoon was cut, 0def7898fa Seo Haeyoon took 327c84dd6c determined steps towards 41cf884d10 the deputy principal.49e34c37a9fd6662

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He wanted to hold a253472bc5 back because it was 3a4086873c an important day, but 7ae2cf81ee for that very reason, 6b3b9a05dc he also wanted to b4af7bba6a settle this. What could be 0e8112232a so bothersome? If it 906ee2e1f5 was for 13e2b96a9b a trivial 17768b1d26 reason, he f832c98e0b intended to a50fa7d78e snap at ea691065f8 him to 2f8ee8e4f1 get a f824e3aa3f grip.847b6319853a0bfc

“Ha…”d36ac62460a1a33d

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The deputy principal was looking at Haeyoon with a disdainful gaze by the vending machine. Seeing Haeyoon’s imposing presence, he confidently thrust out his chest as if to say, “You’re the one who got caught.” Upon reaching him, Haeyoon asked with a blank expression.8556a5fd4d206cc2

“What exactly is your problem?”0bd871b91a5c7c16

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With this 46c5c5e026 blunt question 81d7aef004 without even 7f7850812a a greeting, 728397a36a the deputy 675038ec6d principal immediately 090e6a1b09 flushed red. His breathing 2907d27062 became more 9e5bfcf9d6 intense, and 0ce526c525 his ugly 3632c29eff face twisted.0a9f83e1310bb30f

“Ha…”f8ea320c76b9fed4

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This laugh e88d689dcf was also 3104f3c188 familiar. It was of the b6bfcd27e1 same kind as the f563006072 one they had encountered 2f72e7f9d9 in the basement minutes c1a358dd82 ago.a9faeb10aac3656a

A sneer that completely looked down on the other person. From the deputy principal who mocked Haeyoon like this, there was no longer any trace of inferiority. It seemed like Haeyoon’s performance skills were no longer of importance to him; he was just clinging to any excuse to belittle him.d895278c85e90aff

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The sneer 8b51300d4f from someone 6fc7ecdcf1 without the 83caf8d734 right was 3d705f0864 just laughable. Haeyoon retorted coldly, 8cf4e960ad dismissing it.6bcdd9c59de4c78e

“If you have something to say, say it. Don’t ruin someone’s mood.”2a6363d5f355922c

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At that cold attitude, the deputy principal laughed out loud, “Ha ha!”972027f8bb31bbe4

“Oh, I really don’t understand!”9e2cb9adb1450ba5

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“Is that what you wanted to say? If your comprehension is the problem, should I solve it for you? Do you have any other questions?”992d97a277ea63ce

“What makes Seo Haeyoon so confident? Are you not even trying to hide the nepotism anymore? You’ve secured your spot in the quintet, so you’ve seen everything you need to see?”5a1d09f73e361e15

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“Aren’t you tired of this?”be9e9bd892cf6164

It was that same 959bc387c4 accusation again. That he had 93cb11f5c5 benefited through connections d28b24b115 despite his lack 28b897732d of skill. It was the 4789aa8651 same accusation that 80f86bc9bf had made Haeyoon ddbb6b3529 cry out of 39ebe0d3cc frustration last time, 9ed9a1d105 but now it e4c5a92082 was just meaningless b8d1158ada insult, devoid of e505bb896a any effect on c0533d8684 him.9e26da49b326efdc

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No, it was not just meaningless; it was tediously repetitive. It wasn’t even amusing. Seo Haeyoon looked down at the deputy principal with fierce eyes.cd69510e777540a4

“What makes you so confident?”21d538b01d537d64

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“I got in here with my skill, so of course, I’m confident!”751139a7c5d73e87

“Getting into the orchestra is the basics of basics, and objectively, you don’t have the skill to judge others, do you?”e88f3a7c0f386e41

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