SANN | Chapter 13.1

The buzzing sound interrupted Sieon’s contemplation, causing him to furrow his brow and glance towards the table. Two phones lay side by side, likely his own being the culprit. Sieon, uninterested, shifted his gaze back to Gureum, flexing his muscles slightly.

Gureum had not been left alone to head to the gym. Instead, Sieon had bought fitness equipment for the house. Perhaps it was since then that Gureum, who usually followed Sieon around like a puppy, started showing interest in exercising.

Gureum, who rarely engaged in physical activities outside of their occasional walks, didn’t seem too keen on any specific exercise, which led Sieon to sometimes perform half-naked shows to pique his interest. However, all he had gained was disappointment. Sadly, he had to admit it now—Gureum had no interest in his own physique.

Even with his well-sculpted muscles and good proportions, it seemed Gureum was unmoved by sex appeal. Though it was disheartening given Gureum’s pure tastes, Sieon continued to think hard about what kind of fun exercise might interest him. The result was that.

It was an exercise following a TV screen, gripping a round handle, from a fitness console game released by a gaming company. It had become quite popular among people for dieting and improving fitness.

The outcome was very successful. Lately, Gureum seemed to enjoy this more than Cloud Online. Sieon was moderating the playtime, worried that Gureum, already skinny, might lose even more weight.

Currently, Gureum was sprinting energetically. His hair fluttered with each bounce, and his cute backside was almost too much for Sieon. The sight of him playing was so adorable that Sieon had secretly filmed dozens of videos. Gureum wearing a leg strap on his bare thigh was especially attractive. Once again, Sieon quietly moved to film him.

But a persistent humming noise continued. It seemed too loud to be just one phone vibrating. Sieon narrowed his eyes sharply and observed Gureum’s phone screen. Surprisingly, alarms were going off on both phones simultaneously.

Raising his eyebrows, Sieon checked the messages. Unexpectedly, Gureum and he had been invited to a group chat.

Hyungdong: Since the Maze Queen party flopped, how about we meet up next week? Cool with everyone?
Maze Queen Leader: Where are we meeting??
Hong: Miss Heeyeon will decide once she checks who can come.
Hong: But it’s tough to get all six together, right?

Maybe because the party had lasted longer than usual, members who usually participated during the Maze Queen slot were dropping out due to personal commitments. Just last week, they had decided to disband due to scheduling conflicts. Now, Sieon had little interest in the game, as he was too busy living with Gureum.

1st Base 2nd Frame: I’m free that day!
Maze Queen Leader: I can make it too.
Hong: I should’ve thought more; lucky me.
Hyungdong: It’s either the old man or the kid who saw the message.
Hyungdong: Kid, feel free to say no if you want!

No, can’t go. Sieon was about to firmly decline when Gureum, who had tiptoed over at the sound of the vibration, peeked over.

“Hyung, what is it? …A gathering…?”

Gureum, sticking close, read the chat over Sieon’s shoulder and tilted his head, confused. Sieon was about to exit the group chat without anyone noticing when he got caught.

Forcing a smile, Sieon wrapped his arms tightly around Gureum, who likely wouldn’t attend such events anyway.

“Yeah. They want to have a wrap party for the Maze Queen team. You wouldn’t want to go, right? You don’t like such gatherings.”

“…Hmm…”

“…Why? Do you want to go?”

“Well… if I go with hyung, it might be okay…”

Ha-ha. Sieon let out a flat laugh, perhaps Gureum was feeling brave after his therapy. The party members were quite fond of Gureum already, which might have sparked a bit of jealousy in Sieon.

“Gureum’s all grown up, wanting to meet outsiders in front of hyung.”

“No, no?! I mean, that’s not…”

“What if they show interest in Gureum at the gathering?”

“…I’d have to say I’m dating hyung…!”

Gureum shouted, eyes squeezed shut. More earnest than Sieon expected, but Gureum looked serious. This time, Sieon laughed genuinely.

“Then if someone flirts with me, I have to say I’m dating Gureum too.”

“…That would be nice, nice…”

Sieon burst out laughing. Gureum was becoming cuter by the day. Sieon poked Gureum’s cheek, revealing his playful possessiveness. Tempted to indulge him, Sieon figured there’d be no harm since he’d be there by his side.

“Alright, then… you’ll stick close to hyung, okay?”

“Yes…!”

Gureum nodded vigorously.

The meeting place was a pricier Korean beef restaurant. When Gureum said he’d attend, an excited Miss Cutie Her offered to cover all the costs, so the meal was decided to be beef, which she wanted. Sieon thought it was okay too, since it wasn’t something Gureum was picky about.

After parking, Sieon entered the restaurant with Gureum clinging to him like glue, arms linked. Sieon smiled and adjusted Gureum’s bangs.

“It’s okay.”

“Y-yes…”

Soon after, the server greeted Sieon and Gureum, and upon hearing the reservation name, led them to a floor-seating room. When they entered, everyone except Sieon and Gureum was already there, their eyes wide as they alternated their gaze between the two. Gureum, head bowed low, was barely visible.

“Huh? Why did you two come together?”

“Because we came together.”

Sieon replied nonchalantly. It was hard to tell who it was just by looking, but the voice made it clear it was Miss Cutie Her. Despite still being a college student, everything she wore was branded, fueling the rumors that she really was a golden spoon.

“Wow, look at this guy’s height! I was shocked by Kim Gahyeon, but this isn’t even basketball…”

“I’m not short anywhere else, but next to here, I feel dwarfed…”

Hong Jalla marveled, and 1st Base 2nd Frame muttered under his breath. Hong Jalla, or rather Hong Jaerin, scolded him right away.

“What are you talking about? In this day and age, if a man isn’t over 180 cm, is he even a man?”

“…But I’m 179 cm, noona…”

1st Base 2nd Frame, Han Yisak, replied in a defeated voice. Regardless, Gahyeon asked Sieon, who was blocking his view of Gureum,

“Is that Gureum hiding behind you?”

“Gureum? Ah, Heize!”

“Baby, come out!”

Jaerin and Heize urged Gureum forward. With a hesitant and shy movement, Gureum stood beside Sieon and greeted cautiously.

“Ah, hello…”

“Whoa, no way! The baby really came out!”

“Wow, Gureum…”

“He could pass for an idol. His face is smaller than my fist!”

“I’m atheist, but why do I see an angel in front of me?”

“Keep it down.”

Anticipating such reactions, Sieon appeared annoyed as he settled the situation. After a brief introduction, they took their seats, with Gureum naturally sticking close to Sieon. The party members’ attention naturally gravitated towards Sieon and Gureum.

“So, you two really came together?”

“Are you two in contact privately? How did you become so close?”

“We live together.”

Pfft. As Jaerin drank water, Han Yisak accidentally sprayed it towards him. His face quickly got drenched, and he calmly wiped it off.

“Perhaps Hong noona is trying to keep you hydrated because it’s winter.”

“Oh, Hong unnie!”

“…Sorry, man. That was a joke, right?”

“It wasn’t a joke.”

Sieon’s calm reply brought a deadly silence over the table. Eh, surely it’s a joke. As everyone cautiously looked at each other, Jaerin mustered up the courage to ask,

“Are you really living together…? Just Gureum and you?”

“Yep. It’s been a while.”

“Hey, you crazy guy!”

As soon as Sieon finished speaking, Gahyeon burst out of his seat. Heize froze on the spot, and Jaerin stiffened just like Heize. Han Yisak quietly wiped his face and watched Sieon with surprised eyes.

“I didn’t see it coming, you complete thrash….”

“There’s a thirteen-year age gap, you know? Baby, you’re not being forced into this, right? Tell me, huh?”

Heize urged Gureum to speak. Gureum, unable to simply smile, shook his head hesitantly. Sieon hoped he wouldn’t be attacked.

“No… I like hyung too…”

“…Oh my god…”

“Gureum’s an adult, so there’s nothing we can report…”

“Report…?!”

Startled by the mention of ‘report,’ Gureum looked at Jaerin with a face about to cry.

“Please don’t… Hyung is all I have…”

“No… I didn’t mean it like that, why would you start crying, huh?”

Jaerin was unusually flustered as he comforted Gureum. As Gureum embraced Sieon, he felt an overwhelming frustration, unable to accuse Sieon directly.

Ah… Jaerin sighed deeply. Although it was frustrating, Gureum was technically an adult. Giving unsolicited advice at this age, they’d just do whatever they wanted anyway.

So let’s blame Chae Sieon. That damn thief. To think that the flirting in-game was serious. Jaerin’s eyes narrowed as he watched Sieon.

“Stop scaring the kid. He’s about to cry.”

Pretending to brush something from Gureum’s eyes, Sieon blocked his view and grinned at Jaerin. He was a real snake.

Thus began their prolonged battle of nerves, while the prepared meat was being set on the table. There were only two pairs of tongs on the table. Sieon immediately called over a server.

“Could we get another pair of tongs here?”

“Yes. Would you like to order any drinks?”

“Yes! Three bottles of soju and four beers here!”

Jaerin shouted energetically. Let them drink among themselves. Sieon broke the mood with an additional order.

“And a soda, please.”

“Yes, I’ll bring it right over.”

Soda? Heize pouted rudely at Sieon.

“Ah, mister! Soda? Who drinks that, like a kid?”

“Who else? Our kid does.”

“Ah…!”

Speechless, Heize had no comeback and fiercely gulped down water, evidently parched. She had nothing else to say as Sieon’s attitude of looking after Gureum left her utterly astounded.

Soon after, the drinks, additional tongs, and beverages were placed on the table. They quickly made toasts and clinked glasses. It was about time to start grilling the meat. Jaerin and Gahyeon each held tongs.

Sieon also grabbed tongs and deftly placed meat on the heated grill, placing all the meat in front of Gureum. It was unclear why he’d asked for additional tongs, but it seemed he intended to grill and feed Gureum himself. Party members shivered at Sieon’s shameless display.