SANN | Chapter 6.1

Sieon checked himself in the mirror, examining his appearance. No matter the angle, he was flawless.

The shirt’s buttons were undone just enough to reveal a tantalizing glimpse of skin. He rolled up the sleeves just right to show off his arm muscles. Thanks to the perfectly fitted shirt, every time he moved, the outline of his firm chest was highlighted.

He wore a matching watch, applied some cologne, and finished styling his hair. If anyone questioned why he was so dressed up at home, well, what did it matter? He’d do anything to lure in Sun Gureum.

Honestly, even for their first meeting, he hadn’t gone out looking shabby. But this time, the situation called for something extra. After all, today’s meeting place was none other than Sieon’s house. It was a decision that warranted this level of effort.

Sieon hadn’t even dared to hope he’d get to spend such ample time with Gureum. The unexpected opportunity for Gureum to stay overnight was a pleasant surprise. The moment Gureum agreed, Sieon immediately proposed meeting at his place.

Claiming he was pretty good at cooking, he invited Gureum over for dinner and promised a cozy evening. Gureum, without much hesitation, happily agreed. If Gureum had run into some other perverted jerk, it could’ve ended badly. Not that Sieon was much better, but still.

He had already set up the wine and appetizers, leaving only a soft light glowing in the living room. The curtains were drawn up to showcase the perfect river-view nightscape. At this point, Sieon practically radiated “horny” energy, though Seon Gureum likely had no clue.

He had offered to pick Gureum up, but Gureum had firmly declined, so they agreed to a phone call upon arrival. Since outsiders required personal escorting in, Sieon had no choice but to go get him. The appointed time was approaching, and Sieon, waiting for Gureum’s call, began preparing the promised dish: creamy pasta. He boiled the pasta while mentally preparing for the evening.

Of course, all of this had a reason.

Sieon was thinking about meeting Gureum consistently from now on. It was an unprecedented situation for someone like him, who’d only ever pursued short-term flings or casual sexual partners. Yet here he was, feeling a surge of irritation just from the thought of Gureum marrying some other guy in-game. Clearly, things were different now.

He had briefly considered taking things slow, thinking Gureum seemed like an innocent kid who might need patience. But his mind, heart, and even his lower instincts loudly screamed in unison against the idea, forcing him to change his approach. There was no doubt: Seon Gureum had driven Sieon utterly mad.

Thus, Sieon had one clear goal for tonight.

A kiss.

Well, if things escalated to sex, that’d be even better.

As Sieon was finishing up his creamy pasta, a crucial component of his devious plans, his phone rang perfectly on cue. He immediately grabbed it.

“Yes, Gureum-ssi.”

[Ah…! Sieon-ssi, I’ve arrived…. Where should I go?]

“Just wait at the entrance. I’ll come get you.”

[Ah, okay….]

Sieon briskly made his way to the front door, pausing for one last check in the full-length mirror. Of course, he passed with flying colors. Even he had to admit his exterior was absolutely killer.

When he reached the entrance, he spotted Gureum immediately. Even if a thousand people had been standing there, he would have found him in an instant. It confirmed what he already knew from the café that day—he hadn’t been hallucinating. Seeing Gureum a second time, he was still unbearably cute and pretty. No, actually, he seemed even more adorable now.

“Wasn’t it cold coming here?”

“No, I was fine…!”

“Let’s head up. I’ve already prepared dinner.”

As it was nearing winter, the chilly air had turned Gureum’s soft, rice cake-like cheeks a rosy pink. Walking alongside Sieon, Gureum exuded a casual charm in his hoodie layered under a zip-up jacket. It felt almost criminal to see him like this. Not that it mattered—Sieon accepted his feelings with a grin that stretched from ear to ear. After all, humans are creatures who live with sin.

In the elevator, Gureum watched the floors fly by with wide eyes and a slack-jawed expression.

“Sieon-ssi…. It’s going so fast, and we’re going so high….”

“Are you scared?”

“No, it’s just… amazing….”

“We’ll have to transfer and go up again halfway.”

Hearing this, Gureum’s eyes grew even rounder in innocent amazement, a reaction that was just too adorable.

Once they reached Sieon’s front door, he led Gureum safely inside and opened the door. Gureum hesitantly stepped into the entryway, and Sieon closed the door firmly behind him. Now, Gureum was completely within Sieon’s domain. As soon as Sieon stepped inside, he reached out with a sly hand.

“Your neck is so exposed. You weren’t cold?”

“Huh…! N-no, I wasn’t….”

Pretending to adjust Gureum’s collar, Sieon let his fingers graze the soft skin of his neck, savoring the sensation before pushing Gureum toward the bathroom.

“Go wash your hands.”

“Oh, o-okay….”

Gureum turned on the faucet to wash his hands, but when he noticed Sieon following him inside, he tilted his head in confusion.

“If we’re washing up, let’s do it together.”

Standing behind Gureum, Sieon squeezed a generous amount of handwash onto both their hands, interlacing his fingers with Gureum’s and rubbing them together. The unexpected closeness and the intimate touch made Gureum’s earlobes flush a deep red with embarrassment.

“Hmm…”

“With four hands, shouldn’t we wash this much?”

Sieon thoroughly relished the moment, playing with Gureum’s hands for longer than necessary before finally leading him to the kitchen.

Gureum’s eyes widened when he saw the wine set out on the table.

“Have you ever had alcohol before?”

“Oh, no…. I haven’t….”

Gureum shook his head, and Sieon’s eyes gleamed like a predator spotting vulnerable prey.

“Really? Then I’ll be the first adult to teach you about it. What a privilege.”

Sieon played it cool as he set the plates of pasta on the table.

“Here, dig in first.”

“Oh! Thank you…. I’ll eat well….”

Not wanting to wait and see if Gureum would defer to him as the elder, Sieon quickly preempted him and watched intently as Gureum took a bite. He awkwardly twirled the pasta with his fork, mimicking something he’d probably seen somewhere before, and popped it into his mouth. After chewing for a moment, Gureum’s eyes lit up.

“Is it good?”

“Wow…. It’s really good….”

Of course it was. Who made it, after all? Watching Gureum’s tiny lips munch away, oblivious to the bit of cream sauce stuck on them, Sieon took a long sip of water to cool his own burning desires. He forced a warm smile, masking the hunger in his gaze.

“Actually… this is my first time inviting someone over and cooking for them.”

It wasn’t.

“R-really?”

“Yeah. We’ve only met twice, right? But I feel like we’ve gotten so close that I’m comfortable around you.”

Falling for Sieon’s sugary words, Gureum’s face turned bright red as he stammered a response.

“M-me too…. I’ve been cooped up at home, so it’s been so long since I met anyone…. For you to say I comforted you even though I didn’t do anything… it’s just, I’m so, so grateful….”

“Hey… don’t cry. We’re going to get even closer from now on.”

“Hic…, o-okay….”

“Hey, cheer up already.”

As Sieon handed him a tissue, Gureum carefully dabbed at his tear-streaked cheeks. Watching him fall for the trick so naively without a hint of suspicion was utterly adorable. From his fluffy head to his soft little toes, Sieon felt like he could just gobble him up whole.

“To mark the start of a good relationship, how about a toast?”

Sieon raised a wine glass and gave it a little shake.

“Yes, yes… sure…”

The clinking sound of their glasses meeting echoed softly. Gureum cautiously took a sip, his eyes growing wide, much like earlier.

“This is amazing…! It’s alcohol, but it tastes good…”

“I’m glad you like it. There are plenty of wines here that suit your taste, Gureum. Drink as much as you’d like.”

Sieon congratulated himself on his exceptional taste, grinning as he encouraged Gureum to drink more. There was no mention of drinking “in moderation.” If Gureum was going to be an irresponsible adult, Sieon figured he might as well take it up a notch.

“If you get sleepy while drinking, you can just stay over. There’s a spare room, so don’t feel burdened.”

“Wha— That would be too much trouble…”

“Just stay.”

He drove the point home when Gureum didn’t seem to get it. Gureum fidgeted and mumbled in a tiny voice, his gaze darting nervously.

“But I need to go home by around noon tomorrow…”

“Understood. I’ll take you home.”

Sieon smiled warmly, the picture of kindness, and Gureum, cheeks flushed, nodded back in shy agreement.

Surprisingly, Gureum held his liquor pretty well. He cleaned up a plate of pasta and emptied his glass of wine without any trouble. Sieon felt a pang of satisfaction—it made all the effort he’d put into cooking worthwhile.

When Gureum tried to help clean up, Sieon stopped him and quickly stacked the empty dishes in the sink. As he returned to the table, he noticed Gureum staring blankly out the window, seemingly captivated by the night view. Sieon dimmed all the lights to enhance the atmosphere.

“Turning off the lights makes it easier to see.”

“Th-Thank you…! It’s really beautiful…”

“Here, take a closer look.”

Sieon gently placed a hand on Gureum’s shoulder, guiding him toward the window. Gureum admired the cityscape while Sieon admired Gureum. His dark eyes sparkled as if they held the stars themselves.

“I heard there’s an observatory up top. Want to go sometime?”

“Hmm… I think this is beautiful enough already…”

“Haha, okay. How about I show you around the house?”

“Oh… sure, that sounds nice…”

“Come with me.”

Flipping the lights back on, Sieon took Gureum’s hand and led him around the house. Gureum oohed and aahed at every little thing, his enthusiasm spilling out in a series of awestruck exclamations. The urge to stick a finger into that perpetually open mouth was almost overwhelming.

Finally, Sieon opened the door to the last room—a place reserved for more “elaborate” schemes.

“This is the home theater. I usually watch movies or shows here. You can even play games.”

“Wow, this place is huge too…”

“It just looks big because there’s not much furniture.”

Lowering his posture to seem friendlier, Sieon lightly gripped both of Gureum’s shoulders and made a casual suggestion.

“How about a movie, Gureum?”

“C-Can I…?”

“Of course… Why not?”

After a moment’s hesitation, Gureum nodded, his decision clear.

“Yes… Let’s watch a movie…”

“Great. Go on in. I’ll grab some drinks and snacks.”

Got him. Sieon’s eyes curved into crescent moons. His hands, pushing Gureum gently into the dim room, carried an unmistakable intent.

Sieon headed straight to the kitchen, placing wine, beer, and an assortment of snacks onto a large tray. He lifted it effortlessly in one hand, unwilling to waste time making two trips.

Once he had Gureum seated on the floor sofa, Sieon swiftly arranged the table and even retrieved a mood light from the corner of the room. The once-dark space was now gently illuminated, creating a perfectly cozy atmosphere. Sieon didn’t know who had left the bunny-shaped lamp behind, but it was just what he needed.

“Not too bright or too dark, right? You can adjust the brightness too.”

“Yes, it’s great…! It’s so cute…”

Gureum admired the plump little bunny lamp with a delighted smile.

“I know something even cuter.”