AMF | Chapter 1.3

Yieon replied coolly, gesturing for him to sit.

“Now you know why I insisted on breakfast? It’s a chance to show off my cooking skills to a guest.”

Eunho, feeling a bit dazed, sat down, and the meal began. Yieon naturally moved his spoon and chopsticks. His quiet yet hearty eating showed no sign of discomfort with others. Eunho found it fascinating how easily Yieon interacted with a stranger like him. He must be someone with strong social skills.

After hesitating for a moment, Eunho also started eating. His eyes widened as he tasted the bean sprout soup. The spicy and refreshing flavor was excellent. He kept sipping the warm broth that soothed his throat. Finally, he felt like he could breathe again.

‘It’s delicious. He made all this while I was sleeping…’

He glanced at Yieon while putting a side dish in his mouth. The man named Kang Yieon was eating quietly with his eyes downcast.

His eyelashes were dark and long. They were so densely packed like a doll’s that he felt an urge to touch them. Lowering his gaze, he noticed Yieon’s upper body. The thin shirt clung to him, faintly revealing a well-defined chest. Naturally, he imagined Yieon’s physique. It must be as sculpted as a statue, captivating anyone who saw it.

At that moment, Yieon looked up and met his gaze. The sudden eye contact snapped him back to reality. Yieon put down his spoon.

“Is staring at people a hobby of yours, Seo Eunho?”

“What, what?”

“You kept staring like that yesterday too. What was the reason you gave? Something about being a gallery representative and being drawn to beautiful things.”

“Did I say that?”

Instead of answering, Yieon smiled with his eyes. Just that small smile lit up the surroundings. Realizing Yieon wasn’t lying, Eunho’s cheeks turned red. He felt embarrassed to death about the things he supposedly said.

“That was all nonsense, I’m sorry.”

“No need to apologize. It’s nice to hear I’m beautiful.”

Yieon took a sip of water and added lightly.

“And I’m used to being stared at. So feel free to look, just don’t get caught sneaking glances.”

“I wasn’t sneaking glances.”

“It’s just a saying.”

What an arrogant guy. Saying he’s used to being stared at and not to get caught sneaking glances were both annoying. Yet, the funny thing was, he didn’t seem unpleasant or unattractive. Instead, his sly smile was charming.

“…What else did I say?”

“You mean, you?”

“I must’ve said a lot of weird things. Tell me everything.”

Yieon narrowed his eyes, a look of interest flashing across them. Suddenly, a wave of anxiety washed over him. Did he say something unnecessary?

“It wasn’t weird.”

His face and tone were so meaningful that Eunho couldn’t relax. Yieon let out a small laugh, seeing Eunho gripping his spoon tightly.

“Well, talking about your cheating fiancé isn’t weird. It’s something anyone might experience.”

Clatter!

Eunho dropped his spoon. The loud noise of it hitting the table echoed. His head spun, and his whole body felt cold.

“I talked about that?”

“Yes, you did. You said you needed someone to talk to.”

“…”

“You said there was no one to tell, but you felt like you had to talk to someone to feel better.”

His mind filled with curses. Eunho rubbed his tomato-red face with his palm.

It’s the alcohol’s fault. Pouring out his secrets to a stranger. Now he understood why Yieon found it amusing. The story of someone shocked by their fiancé’s infidelity. How intriguing it must have been. Anger boiled from within.

“You must have been uncomfortable. I’m sorry.”

“You don’t look sorry. You look like you want to hit me.”

“I want to hit myself, not you.”

“No need to blame yourself. I’d be furious if my fiancé cheated too. When you’re angry, you do things you wouldn’t normally do.”

Yieon added softly.

“You’d probably go for revenge. Thinking about how to destroy them.”

“Is that something you wouldn’t normally do?”

“Yes, I’m not one to hold grudges. I’m too busy living my life to harbor ill will toward others.”

“…”

“What about you, Eunho?”

“What?”

“I’m asking what you’ll do now.”

Eunho looked blank.

“I haven’t thought about it yet. I just… want to rest.”

“The other person doesn’t know you found out, right? They’ll come to you like nothing happened, speaking sweetly and touching you.”

“…”

“You need to clear away what’s bothering you to truly rest.”

His voice was clear as ice. He gestured lightly toward the food, urging him to eat. Hesitating, Eunho resumed eating. Yieon’s words about the fiancé acting sweetly lingered in his mind. Suddenly, his stomach ached as if he were upset.

As the meal ended, Eunho cleared his throat. Yieon, with a calm face, spoke.

“Do you have something to say?”

“No, it’s nothing…”

“Say it. You might not get another chance.”

His words stirred something deep inside Eunho. Yeah, just say it now. He already knows everything. Telling him everything might not be so bad. Besides, it’s not like we’ll see each other again.

Realizing he wouldn’t see him again made him feel a bit relieved. Eunho leaned toward Yieon.

“Would you really seek revenge if you were in my shoes?”

“Yes.”

“…Even though there’s a way to part amicably?”

“That’s not my style. They dared to do that to me. They should pay for it.”

“Hmm…”

“Judging by your question, you seem interested too.”

Yieon slowly added the next word.

“Revenge.”

Just hearing that word made his heart pound. It felt like Yieon could see right through him. Flustered, Eunho shook his head.

“No, it’s not that. I was just… curious.”

Even though he denied it, the man just smiled. His lips curled mischievously on the right side.

“That’s different from what you said at the bar.”

Eunho frowned. He almost told him to stop smiling. Luckily, Eunho was a patient person. Now that he was sober, he could think rationally that he shouldn’t get angry at the homeowner who took care of him. So instead of speaking, he swallowed his words with the soup.

Did Yieon notice Eunho’s restraint? His smile deepened. Eunho tried his best to ignore the curious gaze.

Now, all he could think about was getting out of there quickly. If he stayed, he felt he might get caught up with this man. He was scared he might spill everything about his past with his father, his feelings about his fiancé’s affair, and his current state. No, he couldn’t reveal any more.

He tightened his grip on the spoon.

.☘︎ ݁˖ .☘︎ ݁˖ .☘︎ ݁˖

After the meal, Eunho prepared to leave immediately. Yieon didn’t stop him. He simply brought Eunho’s suit jacket and handed it over politely. The courteous gesture made Eunho twitch.

“Here, take it.”

“Ah… Yes, thank you.”

The mischievousness from the dining table was gone. He just smiled pleasantly, looking like a nice person. Seeing the homeowner like this, Eunho was glad he hadn’t gotten angry earlier.

‘Yeah, I shouldn’t get mad. He fed and sheltered me…’

Muttering to himself, Eunho put on the jacket. The fresh scent clung to the snug-fitting clothes. As he sniffed the jacket, Yieon’s lips curved into a line.

“I sprayed some deodorizer.”

A fresh orange scent spread from his wrist to his elbow.

“It smells really nice.”

“Well, not as nice as your scent, Eunho.”

“I must have smelled like alcohol…”

“Not at all.”

Yieon tilted his head. His black hair covered his forehead, swaying slightly. With his bangs down, he looked lighter and younger than yesterday.

“The alcohol smell was nothing compared to your pheromone scent.”

“Ah…”

“Hope that wasn’t inappropriate. I just meant your pheromone scent is nice.”

Yieon added playfully.

“I didn’t say your pheromone scent seduced me or anything.”

“You’re joking, right?”

“Haha.”

Why is he just laughing? If it’s a joke, he should say so quickly. By now, Yieon had returned to the sly demeanor he showed at the dining table. Eunho sighed inwardly. He didn’t have the energy for trivial conversations. He just wanted to go home and rest.

“Um…”

“I prefer if you call me by my name.”

“…”

“We did introduce ourselves.”

His playful voice made Eunho slightly flustered.

“Oh, yes. Yieon.”

Saying the man’s name felt awkward on his lips. Feeling a bit embarrassed, he fiddled with his fingers. Yieon nodded softly, seemingly satisfied with being called by his name.

“Now, go ahead.”

“Did I do anything wrong while drunk? Besides suddenly talking about myself. I’m worried I might have caused other trouble on the way here.”

“Does it matter? We’re parting ways now.”

“No, please tell me. It’s really bothering me.”

“…You really don’t remember?”

Eunho was about to answer when Yieon stepped closer, lowering his head to meet his eyes. The proximity made Eunho forget what he was about to say. Yet, the man seemed unfazed by the closeness.

In the silence, Eunho unconsciously lowered his gaze. He saw his chest rising and falling rapidly. He couldn’t understand why he was so nervous, like someone who had done something wrong.

“Really.”

Yieon murmured in a lowered voice. He straightened up and smiled again.

“I won’t tell you.”

“Why, why not?”

“Because I want you to think about me.”

Eunho couldn’t help but gape. Wanting him to think about him? That sounded like a line from someone trying to flirt. But there hadn’t been any meaningful glances or conversations between them. They had just become drinking buddies and spent a night at his place without incident. Eunho’s eyes wavered.

‘Is that not it?’

Was it actually something else? He hoped he hadn’t done anything inappropriate with a stranger while drunk. His mind grew more confused, and his face heated up. Unable to speak, he just opened and closed his mouth like a fish.

“Haha.”

Yieon burst into laughter. His face, shining like clear water, was full of life. He opened the front door, leaving Eunho staring blankly.

“Take care.”

Eunho hesitated as he stepped out into the unfamiliar apartment hallway. As he took a few steps, Yieon called out to him.

“I’ll come see you soon.”

This was truly a surprising statement. Eunho quickly turned around.

“I just decided to.”

Before Eunho could respond, Yieon added.

“I’ll ask you next time.”

“Ask what?”

“What you want to do about your fiancé. You’ll have decided by then.”

What’s with this guy? He seemed to think they were close after just one night together. Eunho, feeling indebted, couldn’t say anything, but he knew he had to draw the line. He took a few deep breaths and opened his mouth. But Yieon spoke first.

“Goodbye then.”

“What?! No, I…”

Before Eunho could say anything, the door closed. Staring at the firmly shut door, Eunho blinked several times. Soon, his face was filled with bewilderment.

“What kind of person is he…?”