SB Ch 27

“Aren’t you nervous?”b966c0cf2c2dbeef

“Nah, not really… It’s just like that.”3c73c2eca6bf1821

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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.7e7d1ad595cb9f68

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.b523d7d21f29fbc7

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“Seems like you’re in a good mood.”15bc147891585b2a

“Yeah, you’re looking handsome.”88f51ba54c8e23e5

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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.6c9943202fc50b4b

“You’ve been very generous with compliments lately. Did I do something cute?”86c4ab10c06fae20

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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.473e503276e2cdd2

“I don’t know. I’ll give you something better tonight.”018786a357c9715a

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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.21413bc2901e14b7

“Can’t you give it to me now?”70f76c8b53ef532c

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“No, you can’t have it now. You should learn to wait.”3dbfa8f14047054d

“I’m usually good at waiting.”ef40cefdab3d0992

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“…Oh, really? You must have waited a lot before.”f33900d0affc3e5b

“…”693994846914e289

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“Did you get a lot of good things?”4cbe4471e4bc3fb1

Haeyoon’s eyes narrowed, and the happiness on Chae Beomjoon’s face vanished instantly with the silence that followed.525c34194651fb2b

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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.2b7b4cfb7fd418a9

“…Well, the best gift I’ve ever received in my life is Haeyoon.”62eb2e27a90a4438

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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.67cc2904651ed356

“Watch your words, Beomjoon.”cd1ba38e8a2a4d9b

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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.a3b780e72672adff

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.2ae3d6707f3994e5

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“Have a good rehearsal, and I’ll see you tonight.”239d66b03469dea7

“You have to look pretty when you come.”c2f38c348165b5bb

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“Should I wear a flower in my hair?”bab94a764b2c0580

“Yeah, like a rose.”aa240021717be968

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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.507543bbf6a8b73b

The respectful kiss, meeting his eyes, tightened Haeyoon’s chest. Suppressing the urge to fall into his embrace, Haeyoon held Chae Beomjoon’s hand.7ecb6e785036c48f

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“See you later, bro.”695aa93fb7343154

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.61e80b07845620fd

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Gradually, the distance caf6befa1d between them grew, 191f35bf40 and their clasped 76325e3147 hands parted. With the final touch c38bb294b7 of their fingertips, their 0d830c47fc connection was completely broken. Haeyoon glanced back, 82a5368207 locking eyes with 478d94bf67 Beomjoon, who was 5ba2782b26 still watching him, 703a0e7aae then entered the 6901ca9f91 grand theater complex.390055a89571d3b2

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.07c41157999a6b4e

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This might be even 57c175c15e more expensive than the 7ab990dc1f Rockefeller Center tree.4575e4f3fb0881bb

With these pointless thoughts, dce3299f5b Haeyoon passed through the 551c9a470a lobby towards the back 9f1eb0213c of the building. He intended to have 5f5ef5432a a cigarette before going 89170f6017 into the dressing room.dda40d5790e9720b

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Click, lighting e3e23e4b72 a cigarette 35ad61649a with a dc4890b3c1 lighter, he 16ad23eadc picked up 8152b031ff his phone. Haeyoon left a message b2cf240ead for Chae Beomjoon, who 35c355cc74 was supposed to go f76b56b193 home and come back 5325a234c4 for the evening, to 7d3c4af099 be careful, then called 7c3ee6ddb6 his father, Seo Jonggil.167c6e4fb0047547

“Dad, where are you?”2dd71f8ad5367e77

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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.3af3e270ce2f58f6

“Haah. What are you planning to do this time?”d2728b729468745d

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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.f665834e695fe005

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.93023f6012a9e0dd

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After the 1a2d31d881 performance, he bc0e039e61 was the c83f9a481e only one 7b10dc99d4 whistling and 210379ee62 giving a 4ae603d060 standing ovation, 51b4655e3e then rushed 836e5b6b9d to the cb3f4ea21f dressing room dd828a48da to give cc161595a6 Haeyoon a fc15ec881b bouquet as 80dcf0eca2 large as 039b6f4887 his own 838384e748 body. It was so ostentatious fd2ac3037a that anyone would think 51cf6d9fdd Haeyoon had won a 57cb90696c competition, making him too fccc8219f3 embarrassed to face the f853dde558 other performers that day.08af6d2c44dac2de

So, he 3b44fe3d14 called to 8be8b2d69a ask his fd159649d3 father to e618a9ffed please not f509118664 do anything 03e7cb04d7 extravagant today, 05c89b720a but he 9dafb11e6b was already a524b0c943 at the aa8afd71af beauty parlor. Feeling a twinge in 6c572a1b00 his neck, Haeyoon frowned.a8ba186cb27116c8

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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.”7ba01044bddaf1ff

─ 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.9ff7a5339e6b6a7e

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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.d6f9df665420c62f

I hope my father doesn’t come wearing something weird. Please, I beg you.2575a225b748e4f5

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After sending that 4dde403e02 message, Haeyoon called 66a75ea8bb out to Seo 56b7b69ea1 Jonggil, who was fafca42c0d muttering to himself.94916cddaa16e7da

─ So, for the New Year, with your dad…08a6fd0b265c6a92

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“Dad.”5573504ee790004e

─ Yeah?9efb75429e0f77ff

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“There’s someone I’ll introduce to you after the concert.”a09068d65f2a047e

─ ….85c6377e17473df4

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“So, dress up nicely but not too flashy. You can’t outshine the main performer.”b0065fcec537619e

─ Oh my. How could I outshine you, son? That’s nonsense!4c218baa8ce86e9d

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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.098d531eb13c4bd6

“I’m talking about the other person, not me.”97a28f69a66d3395

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─ …Ha.487c1accf0880117

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.bf375623e22f875a

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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.a17cd52d3adc6096

─ 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?317dc255693f4c93

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“It’s no use running away. I’ve decided to date Mister.”95b37c2dde6c6547

─ ….c027ffe9fc54e37f

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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.9eee7a6fe5459702

─ 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!51f3281f9cce4388

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“Dad, you caught Mom with your looks, didn’t you?”850501f14ea04941

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.b5c84c3603bd3372

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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.623cb7b198dc4a69

At Haeyoon’s reminder of this forgotten memory, Seo Jonggil fell silent for a moment before shouting, pretending he hadn’t heard his son.2b161ad18b686fc9

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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.c314e51651c36a15

“If she’s still single at that age, there must be something wrong with her. Do you believe that?”87dbca287e3fd69d

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─ So what? I was a d7edd593bb bachelor before I ac34af758e met your mom! In modern 31ea11929c terms, what 77af1f4f04 do you 17e417e3bc call it, ba26cc77de a lifelong 735ee07241 single?092b25de161ebb79

“Still, you must have been having sex around. You have no flaws.”50ee8a525b05ab8b

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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.c776b721a9e09532

─ That’s… private.ea7840e3b7e42e95

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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?”59d71bcc224b3a0a

At Haeyoon’s petulant remark, Seo Jonggil sighed.5d2a8a9da4017e05

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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!aff221697fcfef17

“She’ll be 40 tomorrow. That’s old.”1b7fe4971dfa330f

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Only after 64711d5a4d saying that f1b73373f3 did Haeyoon 71d95d1852 realize that 91b79a07d4 Kim Anna c6e9f47e7a was just 8f5a1f95cf one year 9df928e028 older than 50c5140550 Chae Beomjoon.9a393f8b23960dfc

…No. Our Beomjoon is in his prime. One year changes the landscape. It’s a big difference.e135b313f5aa5e42

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Haeyoon deliberately ignored this 3ab5cb4bf2 fact and glossed over bec95a7962 it.7b3bd7b13f1ceef0

“No, anyway, I have to go in now. Don’t be late for the evening, Dad.”18cc3cbe9fd6d61a

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─ Okay… Have a good rehearsal. You know your dad loves you, right?d670a4d63368bbee

“…I’ll hang up.”a86c6b1dc96541ba

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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.227cebc3357deed9

“Hello, teacher.”e1e7b8efe560d9d1

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“Hello!”a11a929aaeffabfd

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.130194c1a45a6ff4

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He heard d4f379bb9f that once 994e75255b the construction a417940bba is finished bdf2a3264e at the 666b277011 beginning of 7e67e4d310 next year, b5468307da they would da0e0d4324 divide the b4af43045b dressing rooms 8dbf9ee319 by instrument, c6d3c1895a but he 126a602d92 hoped they 189fa8a45b would just 4fd546edcf leave the 99301452b8 dressing rooms 39436b04a7 as they 9d693bba6e are. Just the ee2d2bb236 thought of 831b30a1ec being in 770d719c3c a cramped ef0b7dffb3 space with 115bebd748 the vice-principal 7673f0d7d2 made him 64d772f802 feel sick.598478fec2f820f8

“…So Jin Suryeon.”1b9383473439e6ba

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As he was passing 0ecff25999 through the hallway, he 469d664ffe heard a familiar name, ca736a9edb and Haeyoon inadvertently turned 7b67c83b95 his head toward the 1c4ed9edd4 sound. One of the 1d35ffebcd people inside the 55a44e7aaa dressing room, glancing 6d620b35e2 at the hallway 091e226588 while talking, met 582283b403 his eyes. It was the 6251f1a7b3 conductor.a7f7584a1a400239

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.e46d77e1b1027718

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“Hello, teacher.”b086aac08242ec6e

“Good morning, Mr. Seo.”fee0c34d7f640590

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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.0dd9ef7b4113c990

“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.”7e9b644f4372b742

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“Oh, I see.”a8dbd5761884cf9b

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.4ade1ee5f4aa6f12

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“Double bass Mr. Seo? Mr. Seo Haeyoon, right?”e159a0524dbac344

“Yes, nice to meet you. I’m Seo Haeyoon.”7afb2da88ee580ef

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To have his name 5890864b94 known already felt strange. Feeling a a227812cd4 bit embarrassed, ae7cc4da0b Haeyoon bowed ea731cd9db when Kim 7a32c3efb8 Cheongkyung suddenly b061335ceb reached out 66bac9afa6 and grabbed 32271dd7cb his dangling dd38d11121 hand.cd70158a297329dd

“I’m Kim Cheongkyung. Wow, you’re even prettier than I thought.”e487d78728951911

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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.de8b4c733e1948ba

Why is he like 2b32177a07 this? Confused, Haeyoon tried to 1ee5560eea pull his hand away, 763d2f9b6e frowning slightly, but the 23a368fa28 grip was incredibly strong, 444d27b79a making his fingers hurt.96357b6597bd7cd9

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“…”69b48aee6c8213d9

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.0c8bb6460c2a2db4

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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.3f416d9996a68a60

“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?”f734001320b84e6c

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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.d1cb78d1a9dd4002

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…a55bd92f6ff9124b

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If Kim f0fbf1ff7f Geonwoo, the 3926c8a700 conductor, retires c09465e68d and Kim 4d86e864ee Cheongkyung becomes 6c19749777 the music 3243996feb director and f8e4797025 resident conductor, ffcd0aacee Haeyoon decided 56e12407ef he would 65f8bb8f2f resign immediately, a92e7e3290 and he eb52d5e3d7 responded:26ed0ec7dd32c42b

“Well, I’ve never bothered to look at others’ faces unnecessarily.”526e82685f525fdc

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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.8423c7f58360b60c

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.27220dcb95149ae8

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“Do you have anything more to say?”02f09f055c60cacc

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.0486eb54403d954e

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“No. You need to prepare for rehearsal, and I’ve kept you too long.”55db7171c3b39176

“Yeah, I guess so.”873b9885ba5f374b

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“…”a9dc3479daa8695a

“Then, see you next time.”03cb4532ab7ba933

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Giving a 47c3299f22 perfunctory greeting 829ef8d3c8 to Kim cfe9074019 Cheongkyung, who 2cc2e1e1e0 was speaking 77d5e81cce insincerely, Haeyoon ce180bc641 bowed to 1e1c0e9bce the conductor b6e7eb6b7f and turned db9f5fb5e9 around. He wanted to leave bc994f2622 this place as soon f3763b5974 as possible.c01115f773fcf621

Behind Haeyoon, 34390ddb3d Kim Cheongkyung 9f25058a10 closed the ce459eb1fd dressing room 7914a854d5 door. Creak, between the sounds 0f43b80a1a of the old hinges, eb9365d482 his voice speaking to 92b7856379 the conductor could be 0be22f8aa3 heard.446f9db843360444

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Behind Haeyoon, Kim Cheongkyung 3b783a65d7 closed the dressing room 1dcfc020c1 door. Creak, amidst the 09f2938a1f sound of the e0fdf60608 old hinges, his d6571f0f2a voice speaking to 1f0a0e3b3f the conductor was 61a6574f3d heard.d78a49fc37a84652

“Someone the Chief would take notice of…”59d59c093afafd9d

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Caught by d284993dca that word, 59e611c825 Haeyoon suddenly 40c41eaff8 stopped and 36ebc0f1b3 turned around 2ca1d2c581 with a d29c2dc245 blank expression. However, unlike before, no 7927275d7e sound came from beyond 3244910f9b the tightly shut door.686287b7c75a4001

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.919ad9d0a50ed827

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Chief, the face that came to mind with that was Chae Beomjoon’s.bc1859ab8604edd4

But the 9d86781879 form of 1fe66efccb suspicion was 5499024ace not clear. A peculiar intuition hovered 002fcf042d vaguely in his mind.0f62f2ef45464050

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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.e5db8121099644f0

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…cfbd023ee651c78a

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It was 3c1b7f269d an overreaction. Haeyoon shook 4ad02f29eb his head, 00921a896f finding it 19cfd80e57 ridiculous that a3c1d5d1f6 he was 9a02baf647 getting nervous ae18a3faf8 over just c00309f18b a title, 1518fa7093 and he dba81cf632 moved on. There was no way.ca908a4ed8955b4b

“Hello.”ab1dfb4f2056f49d

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“Hello, teacher!”f25b3db11179d9b8

Upon entering the d0181d0cc5 dressing room, two 6ae4ffb1cf familiar members greeted 961438d65e him. The cellist Park Giwon, 37ff8cd956 who would perform in 800eace4f9 the piano quintet with 3e361201f3 him, waved. Next to Park 0958e98147 Giwon sat Jung fc2540b0f5 Yeonhee, the second 7275ae0e07 viola who had ae815a7cee shown interest in 93fb42571f Haeyoon. Haeyoon walked 03b9935777 toward them bff5edc714 without hesitation.1d114946d028f7bc

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After Park Giwon 97bb0e548f had talked about da74fe2e72 the vice-principal in b9f9d96710 early December, they ffa531600b had become quite f11d16fe39 friendly. The easy-going 61dd27101d Park Giwon add3af3eaa had acknowledged 1fbb3f2f42 Haeyoon whenever c8c63b2285 he entered 8c86a8ad99 the dressing 6135c4729c room or cc3c5f5508 rehearsal room 9cb77f33b7 since then, 543d3ec8d2 turning what a301b22d6d was once 7111a4b047 an awkward e1f60326cc seating into 85b86ef810 a natural a9c6fe77f3 one.a906dd5805c91cfe

“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.287b19817e85e997

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“…But it’s kind of daunting to try. The price is one thing, and it’s also troublesome to get.”2a68429532b43b35

“Ah, I see. Teacher, sit here.”3aee164776dfd747

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After hanging up his 348a954179 coat and returning to 4f4387e818 his seat, Park Giwon 1739a4b88c offered the chair next 96a322bce1 to him. The two who 8a2b7f684c had been discussing d88c399a2b rosin smiled kindly cb52374629 at Haeyoon.e1b92c993b66d445

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.58996c32f76fddf2

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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.7c691ce5d3189e4f

“Are you talking about Benzoin rosin?”a59f058c7c011351

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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!”a45aca9758069813

“Oh…”716584aa2892b561

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“But how much was it? Several tens per piece?”d94b741726153aaf

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.3240bcbf821e6139

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The rosin fee3ae4ba7 was made 9f22be0842 by a 468fd95f9a craftsman from 464353c61f a family e4050aab0d with centuries f7e40da75e of tradition, 67805b3829 and since e883cc7174 there was d245931d5a no successor ec22246eb9 to the c9c6cf20a9 craftsman and b53779e880 his health b1b9bf0259 was deteriorating, dc0a0ea0a6 the production 72dfcfe9e3 was decreasing, 9f7cc2e45a which drove 46966c1fc7 up the 5260bbec9e price like 561b099685 a fine cab5c1f868 wine each a3e292fda7 year. Musicians who only e86a391cd0 used Benzoin rosin 91d12a18fa were desperately collecting e8db3f5d04 it.1c782895a68d00ca

“Last year it was around 60, wasn’t it? It was 400 euros, so probably around that.”bc5026c085bf92a9

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“Huh, have you tried it?”99f16890c525ee46

“Yes, once. I got it as a gift.”a1aa195b3d3e55ac

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“Wow, crazy. That’s amazing. How was it? Did it make the sound like water flowing?”a338c83492ae2b30

The sound of string 67efc2d952 instruments could vary greatly cd5a9140a7 depending on humidity, temperature, bf5372c136 the type of horsehair edd102c227 used for the bow, f472a51d79 whether it was bleached acfbaebc86 or not, and which d39de15b3b rosin was used. There was a reason 0ead7183c2 musicians could be so 8e5c7620ed particular.ab9b349a4a3bc331

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Among them, 78d2540d7e Benzoin rosin 15a4e646e8 was known 7b3a17de4f for producing 436b8995ec a very fec26edd69 smooth sound. It was particularly 3d2def66b3 popular among those 9be3a503aa who played smoothly.93f8a93989b07db0

“It was quite smooth.”31b2b2e223801fc2

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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.a4644adebb21631f

“Wow, that’s awesome. As expected, a golden spoon! I want to try it too.”5ff96c04aba37330

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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.fec8dc7e064759de

“Would you like me to give you one? I don’t use them.”c1c8b243f24e60cd

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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.”931eb3225e697739

“Oh, really. Are you afraid of getting addicted, Park teacher? Benzoin addiction.”2197f535d0bb4baa

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Next to c1d5a2dbf9 Park Giwon, 21ab2d682a who was 5a12eca844 shaking his a47d043760 head, Jung 0829b1e1a8 Yeonhee laughed, 328b90fdc7 helping him ba525fa6ac out. Haeyoon thought of a4189f3744 the vice-principal looking c5329a3f7a at a Pernambuco 201c9a26d6 bow with greedy fa6f335ac9 eyes. Unlike him, seeing ee17dfdd26 someone not greedy 6ea454d4f1 made Haeyoon feel 253ad87827 good. Touching his cheek awkwardly, e5c8bec1cb he turned to Park 762d3e2b46 Giwon.3dc5be0dd3df3cb6

“Then just try it once. I’ll lend it to you.”c857ded9db293661

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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.”930bae0344b4f7ea

“Oh, Park teacher! Just try it once. Let me hear it too.”379f42018bdb7d51

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“Then, Jung teacher should try it with me. It’s almost new.”18f213f6788deb48

“Huh, me? I… won’t say no.”a2dc748b2b7de529

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“Oh, what!”df8f83b9fd1960a9

When Jung Yeonhee 1d2bfe7e3b accepted readily, Park 0e8bd90e3c Giwon raised his 1cf412c699 eyebrows to say f4956bd3a8 it was too ef96ac1cf9 much. The comical scene made aee5dbd7ed Haeyoon burst out laughing. Looking at Park Giwon, 00985dd9fb Haeyoon made a playful 18a42f952c remark.860b40f83931c6c7

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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.”9bdc6d8081c91d88

At the 3858151fc3 suggestion of f486431abe inducing a af73e6536e blackout to c551456fec destroy evidence 64693d4f9a after playing, ace7670cf6 Park Giwon 84b7dba67c burst into 341ac7bcc5 laughter in 06425ebff6 surprise. Puhahaha, he laughed, c776c06aca not expecting Haeyoon d880d90706 to make such 3b37a635cb a joke, and cd9d5d09de Haeyoon also laughed f4c3058871 embarrassedly beside him.0c457552e8385cc3

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He was used to 4c7a589ad9 being disliked. He never thought c29d8c06ea he could live 6afd46d74f such a harmonious bf834b1f40 life in the deecbdda9b symphony orchestra.4355dba6022a3a4f

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.0d9e9f3f208c2849

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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.36e41cb6a56c0031

And each time, Haeyoon 2a2714dcba found himself reflecting on 8b4090dcf4 past events. There was c55af0e0ff a reason 456fdabc1a he ended 097e54c7ec up in dd74ad9918 New York. Along with this 94887ac44d realization, there was c67a7ea16f also a sense 5281d60c44 of regret about 290ff7c897 the past.ea9b18e3c597c1a1

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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.”726c90dc432891be

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.eaeb831ebeef434a

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But the 0818ebb611 next moment, 95ac51ba8a he glanced b07fff585c at one e47c674d9b side of 07a7d1433b the dressing 8f83662358 room and 6b872ce739 whispered with 2f3ab11e14 a slight 6ae82c0be4 frown.4eb8313a92c22e04

“He’s looking again. Here we go again.”663384575f798a25

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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.0db110dba3766152

Jung Yeonhee, who had 5065201263 glanced at him, whispered dfffe0d489 with an expression of 37e8c21b0e disgust.d1d082ad4c923685

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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?”af42b723d6e020ae

“Oh, right! I know, I know.”461a18e6e27d6008

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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.040d616677502095

“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.”b6772dcf1c35ed8a

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“…What does that even mean?”ab3e0a777177fc5e

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.832301ed7b876c5d

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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!'”53cf116fb1b45d5d

“But during practice…”3e009d2288b47f81

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Haeyoon trailed off. The deputy principal 9e12f15c6d was so sensitive 707cc712d9 that it was bf3cfaaff8 hard to believe 81aef78f2b he would say d64bd5e865 such things; he a7ff6906cf was the type b0906f5498 to raise his 0219b73cc2 hand and stop f07613da1d practice if he 21169b9afe made a mistake, 2d5d931978 showing how much 2c4fe794ce pride he took 1673a5af72 in his ability.01e6113be17c5010

“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?”3abf21a3c9355bd3

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“Ah…”f49dc6c5e193ea27

“It’s a complex result of inferiority and vanity, I guess.”f934861847f55669

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Summing up Park Giwon’s words in one sentence, Jung Yeonhee whispered while tilting her head towards him.a2a2a5a214ace763

“Teacher Seo works much harder than others, right? He even stays back to practice sometimes.”6126ee8ec3effab0

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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.08b2fa2ef82ef2dd

“We’re on opposite sides of the stage.”b1c34ce0e895ed74

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When the stage e7085480dd is divided into 33a7359c86 left and right, ffbbedb8e9 the viola is a688bc65ac on the left, 6ee3c3845a and Seo Haeyoon 6657925d0e is on the d9aafcc48b right. Jung Yeonhee explained this, 6140850116 gesturing with her hand.8db82707618a14ef

“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.”4f41ee15884b7560

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“…”8dbf9ac9a35f3694

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.e8336a56d6b78214

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Haeyoon also struggled 0d67d48c42 with feelings of ee62fab6f7 inferiority. But he always did 370cf15ea7 his best to leave 5ed8f84f83 no regrets, to not 327f7c136f regress.65054406eee5738e

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.a775ab7c2c216c65

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I thought he 60b11658f9 was sharpening his e4aa9b3058 attitude towards me 9cbb0127fc because he was de94320cbb a fan of efd4d30cea Jin Suryeon, but 468c8d825c to hate me 8c34eea88c through such complex cd38668934 thoughts was pitiful. If Haeyoon f8a88b1bf4 were in e6f49a7b22 his shoes, 25a91a0291 he would 969677d0ee have used 70709506d0 that energy 9c6afdaf75 for practice.1071b2cc3aaf38ab

“Just ignore him.”868682a5b7b5bb17

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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.12827b781fb64063

“I wish he wouldn’t act like that at his age, really… Oh, Teacher Seo, you have a call.”0c822dd8c84e20af

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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.38ccb87952bbeac6

“I’ll be right back. If I’m late, go ahead without me.”b63b9b43f45b7564

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“Sure. Oh, my nephew’s name is Beomjoon too.”56d6108723ce452f

Seeing the name on 7683f823ba the screen, Park Giwon f07fcacdbf pointed out a small 2364d304a6 commonality between him and 1c9de51d6f Haeyoon. Seo Haeyoon responded a6b6c8f8a5 with a small c1c517989c laugh.1e081d62db118893

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“It’s my boyfriend.”aef51e70a6077ff7

Surprised by the fd06ff7877 very masculine name 282b617d3f for a lover, 3ce80fccdb they watched as f665dc8efc Haeyoon left the c58e16a506 waiting room. It was 65aa0c876d only natural c25bf34740 that the 1ab56fa5d9 deputy principal, 0b0864f58b who was b5508c2406 approaching Haeyoon, 221aabe431 also headed fbf69bf3d8 toward the 8fa4911737 exit. Haeyoon ignored his presence 5e5148d669 and answered the call.36d2de59e8131973

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“Hello, Beomjoon.”72f1931fb684b02b

“Ha!”31997fd3c7578855

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— Haeyoon?a9c4b24d7c200210

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.73fbb41995c38a37

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Except for b4674aad6c the occasional 3dfa570c2e staff members b07a15b580 walking around, 2edbaaf26f the lobby f391b05635 was still 0d64eb4377 empty. He bowed f05d718512 to the e13854fb83 member entering 46e0fb51c3 from the d1bf09a98a entrance and c6b03e98b0 moved behind 58fe6cfc4a the Christmas 93cb63fafb tree in 3a065a02d2 the corner 40346db34c of the 6b72066ae7 lobby.36e9fea92b4e9524

“Are you at home?”cf5877601e0e3c29

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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.e758144abdfe952f

— Yes, I just arrived. I thought I’d call before eating and taking a bath. Hasn’t the rehearsal started yet?7e1f2fd4e8c293e3

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“No, not yet. We have 20 minutes left, but I need to go in soon.”e6d404ec79819fcc

— Okay, how’s your stomach? Aren’t you hungry? Should I have packed you a lunch?7227a790cd311cf1

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“No, I’m better off skipping lunch. What about you, Mister? What are you having for lunch?”c6c15188b8dc70f4

Even while talking 243c78edfa about trivial things, 1c33aa3319 a smile spread e24f027975 across his lips, f2ad4bfcee and he felt 142c308497 good. Haeyoon listened c112a31199 to his 66de5252e4 voice coming 13b979dcaf from the 4c0ec8b684 other side 948b53be25 of the fa92c2d4cc phone, looking ee007b1cde up at 8289c0a499 the tree.2d5872f75b4b3d97

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The ornaments were beautifully 628fefc103 sparkling in the sunlight e5011c64a2 coming through the window. It was dazzling.36fc2ec248840486

— 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?5e79de6d59be2d38

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“Sure, then fast. You’ll be fine until tomorrow, right?”6382ada41a7cea99

— …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?1e5c1b754f51a257

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“You’re such a fool, really…”50a9068836488955

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.fb40ae53bcf9061b

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“…”dee9f3ffb4cc5715

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.d35d135574035798

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Why does f68fb39a89 he hate 5adce08f9d me so 2c6e2f5698 much?ec75acd0076f4720

That uncomfortable 8f790a740a feeling, which 405dae904e had been 9407c3f4cd lingering like 5f3fa38fed a loose 043148392c thread in c4400eba0f his mind, f26ff8df85 surfaced at 7f312e87cd that moment.c0d7adca044756ed

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As evidenced by 7d1bc23701 his anger for fd5810b275 nearly two months 7df918e408 over the quintet, 480a3cbf7f the deputy principal 3d004b402e had a significant d1c1c5155d attachment to his 85cc5c87d3 skills and performances, b75f077a52 along with considerable 02cd79ad99 pride. His inability 7d7aaf1d0f to match 6dbbd4c09c that pride eaf7562658 with his 0026b02914 skills created 8537cdfa68 the kind 5060d074ee of cruel 52d329afac human he 974f4ce139 was.72a070a73bcc0435

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.2c33d8f64556da22

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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.8ef5bd2a8ffe2f8a

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.507e57fbebe8a537

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‘Chief…’b91317471968e23c

Why did the voice d27236198e he heard earlier suddenly 6723e7272e come back to him?8e7f0988aef93a1c

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Chief.c023c5f8b1b90deb

And Chae Beomjoon.07290010d3283c9c

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Much stronger than 12b99ee2d3 before, his instincts 3a89e61617 sent a sharp b27a0d48a7 message, urging him 9bc2d3c8ad to lower his e75c70be44 eyes.0e235d2c05a79e63

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.b404c8c6723d1f6d

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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.73b120b438c1c132

— If my muscles disappear, you’ll lose out too, won’t you? Isn’t that right?47e2fdb0ea4b2f2a

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“…That’s right.”797449362260ed75

Chae Beomjoon’s gentle voice gradually receded.df50af135e2b4d11

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The memories ec079931a7 he thought a7eeb7c20b had melted 50385f19ac away beneath cc21fe818b his consciousness fe85ff37c8 began to 03e74977b6 surface one 26b890b095 by one, 75478b691f like thorns.90c179d834b89119

What seemed strange… was, in fact, not just one or two incidents.084549deb8f292a0

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“You dress like a kid when you’re not going to work.”a2557fc13b29e846

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.623488c89ab12b64

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“How did you end up with a place to live around here?”2125d065e134f1b4

That question 5fe5ee18d1 was also d0b0a7e036 very strange. The excuses that b972b90468 followed were not 13d464df66 entirely implausible, but f81a9bd7b0 the tone clearly b0003bae55 suggested he knew 9e20ef294c Haeyoon had moved 126f5aa900 there.72035cb667f227ac

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“…”a06e4c7e7c267ead

— I have something to tell you tonight…ff6a1a259053f17d

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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.6cb90e04c7dafe07

“What if I were the deputy director? What if I could make you a soloist with just a snap of my fingers?”5c92b65258a9c1f1

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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…7f649c2b215781e6

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.”66cbcd6e0dcb537e

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“It’s the Seonseon Private Symphony Orchestra. It’s at the Seonseon Grand Theater.”bf552363a19bbded

“That’s a pretty name. Like your name.”cff176bcdfca2603

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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…33ad38e23c688dcd

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.3f1690a8835d335e

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Looking back, the 06c3ac4aaf deputy principal had 16309fdc8a started talking about cc44432d47 the deputy director d8e55940be after Chae Beomjoon 3dfb17ad61 visited the orchestra 6e343bb1a6 on Halloween. What had started 528e050a80 as a light 9a735ca5ec skirmish had turned c7e1165cde into a fierce 0bf6f2448d rivalry after that.c5d7f6c99bceb9b1

— Haeyoon? Are you listening?59f65229d4f4d502

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His stomach churned, and 3f02f9957a his heart was restless. Haeyoon swallowed dryly and 63b46b43cf opened his mouth, calling 52bda069ba out the name of 38385b0e27 the man who had a22c71ba98 whispered his name so addd1ce011 affectionately.2b272504033eaaf7

“Beomjoon.”80425baf3c045e2d

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As he ea839a9af3 mentioned that 34ccfa3c29 name while fdc6c723db leaving the 11aade46ac waiting room, fe2cd5d834 the deputy 6fd2ce3d54 principal had 7c1f21d30d burst into 06328867a1 a mocking ed9f8b58c3 laugh from 52a3b77fc7 behind. There must be a e1f5803f8a reason for it.bf070cc10321389c

Yet, even when 2e82bd8a5b the truth of ce0a822f21 his suspicions became fb48669dc3 clear, Haeyoon did 9934ab51b0 not let go 1843b42323 of the thread a8b2f6f2c5 of trust towards f4bfc7b9e8 him. His feelings, though 7293c37474 shaken, were not 92e6e78331 rooted shallowly enough 900b135ab4 to be pulled eb4b86bbb2 out so easily. Haeyoon closed 19b23add50 and then 1a3c51eed3 opened his db9fd2e749 eyes before 132e28a0e5 speaking.f6141824181a2cad

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“You haven’t lied to me, right?”d05f05ead973ff59

— …Why would you say that?e0bb05c57f02b7f2

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“Is there, or isn’t there?”174231f3276f8f2b

His heart c9af9ba6cb was trembling. Tension rose ecde6d7a30 to his 487ba1e7cc throat, making ee1bdd53b5 him feel 8e2f10e592 like he e846072232 might vomit. Haeyoon licked his dry 3ac4d64e4b lips and sighed instead 6054446c17 of retching.2a17769c783efdc3

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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…4263f5d10bc4777d

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.11bc00bd2e35ee9b

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— There’s been no such thing.f77091f522426d63

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.5f633ffdfcd522b9

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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.5fde91e1293199e9

The judgment that all 1091a08907 this was mere coincidence afc1c6635f reassured Haeyoon. Shaking off the suspicion b32706b2cf that had swelled like ae17c7c356 a passing shower, leaving 61a9c271ac only the trace of 5da3dac422 rain, Haeyoon exhaled a d26bccc86b thin breath.e92d235896407ac0

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“Yes…”5bfe979352ebfd8a

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.d7afd6450d82b16f

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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.06aeda275290a0e2

As his mind cleared, 24b5b94c97 irritation began to rise 3d7dd6e483 slowly.bd12f50c5d1aaddd

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Did he really 297dfefb4d have to pick 73f9f4cf01 a fight on 02feff9e3c such an important 85cccf84c2 day? It seemed like he cb7f2543f5 had even thrown away 5e42a7d015 what little professional consciousness 0afe5eb582 he had left, despite 0873c8c73a his lack of skill.51d0b11191194a0e

If the ea868d0f36 deputy principal d32fe9b0bc truly thought 29b5d9b51a he was 7a37e30d2a better than 715d73d047 Haeyoon, he 4147a93eeb should have 971dbb907a restrained himself 8daf21ac73 on this 30e2102e1d day of acab295c14 the performance. But for someone 0c123b3202 who knew that 83879b9040 if the double 75c9c203f2 bass, which handles 8b78b0021c the bass line, 7486fe6e2e wavered, the whole bfb54e1cbf piece would waver, 46ffc107f7 to act like 554866b70b this was just e92c4c4252 pitiful.bbacdd522fc366d4

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“Okay. See you later.”a200ed44774e7cc5

— …Do well in the rehearsal.56bba472e446085a

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“Yes.”a129eef828188236

Feeling disgusted, he b319141bb3 quickly ended the 89cda95074 call. The moment 8d827218c6 the connection ced86e8f66 with Chae 6e9b9f430a Beomjoon was 5aca3be057 cut, Seo 3c0736a9b5 Haeyoon took 34faddb341 determined steps c1b039a4a6 towards the ea5844a924 deputy principal.46559675e4937309

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He wanted to hold 216e2433b6 back because it was 0dbc176f61 an important day, but 34bef36f72 for that very reason, a3edbfa1ce he also wanted to 1eb392743b settle this. What could be so 9674f21525 bothersome? If it was for dcb575b0a6 a trivial reason, he 860a3c496e intended to snap at c5ba7edbfa him to get a 77c7b87d1a grip.b0a58118373827e1

“Ha…”1464d4e5fbadcd6b

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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.f01755ece36ca1e8

“What exactly is your problem?”e695a897ff698714

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With this blunt question 5d5ea1e729 without even a greeting, 7854197e35 the deputy principal immediately 7ad765e5cb flushed red. His breathing became 38d8c6d90f more intense, and 1378f29090 his ugly face 74f19f0537 twisted.eafd6759151f60fd

“Ha…”41284ae7a0e8d23b

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This laugh was also 96db8afa85 familiar. It was of the 9aa4e95eb8 same kind as the a9aa9aff89 one they had encountered 344b10be85 in the basement minutes 8254303ee5 ago.73c53565b9fdb7ea

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.2e0a7418146ed766

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The sneer from e328e2810a someone without the cebf9df540 right was just 7dbaa19b6e laughable. Haeyoon retorted coldly, dismissing 0d3303f04b it.a86e3a4c9852309e

“If you have something to say, say it. Don’t ruin someone’s mood.”fa08810db265dd1b

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At that cold attitude, the deputy principal laughed out loud, “Ha ha!”b9a162b66a8a5505

“Oh, I really don’t understand!”03469ca17302d917

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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?”f10c1eb5a68580c5

“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?”8e6a8f55fe5701e2

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“Aren’t you tired of this?”2e4d3ec563f4c093

It was that same 8ffb46cd25 accusation again. That he had benefited c0857de3c4 through connections despite his 4911c1ceba lack of skill. It was the same a189db4567 accusation that had made f5d4be0c27 Haeyoon cry out of 12394081f9 frustration last time, but 4577b34551 now it was just a6c8c921f0 meaningless insult, devoid of 586ba8dc7e any effect on him.67066ca5a73f2a73

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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.31bb8250371488d9

“What makes you so confident?”c7be58f92ce2cb5b

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“I got in here with my skill, so of course, I’m confident!”dfeb1eab73f04dbe

“Getting into the orchestra is the basics of basics, and objectively, you don’t have the skill to judge others, do you?”eff3897bb004242f

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