Back to the present.
The sunlight poured through the window, reflecting soft shadows on the wooden floor.
In the café, Kyungho briefly introduced Jiho to the group and they warmly greeted him.
Not to be pessimistic, but his name might not be a complete stranger to them.
"Kyungho's been praising you a lot. I'm glad we got to meet, I'm Lee Sangmin."
Jiho nodded blankly and gave a brief handshake. "Nice to meet you."
"I've heard a lot about you. Also... I'm sorry for my embarassing friends. Are you okay now?"
Ugh.
Can we not bring that up again?
"Yeah. It's fine now."
Jiho nodded, his hand subconsciously rising to touching his forehead.
Honestly, it was such a hassle. He couldn't even wash his face properly the first two days.
Thankfully, It healed rather quickly than he thought.
"Um... he's Jiun's brother." Kyungho added quietly under his breath.
Of course, he knew Lee Jiun. Kyungho's long-time girlfriend since high school.
He'd heard she had an older brother, but to think that he is somehow connected to Seo Minjae was such an odd coincidence.
Weird how the world kept shrinking like this.
He roughly glanced over at the other side. That guy was the only variable he couldn't figure out.
Though, Jiho get that Seo Minjae wasn't to blame for his problems.
At most, he was the catalyst.
To be honest, Seo Minjae had no obligation to behaved the way Jiho wanted.
But still–I couldn't let my life be disrupted like this.
"Sunbae," Jiho inhaled softly and he stated it flatly. "I have something to tell you. Do you have time right now?"
Even though, Jiho said it out of the blue.
But as if knowing who he was talking to, Seo Minjae slowly lifted his gaze to meet his.
Frankly speaking, Jiho half-expected him to play dumb, pretend he didn't hear or make excuses.
But instead of asking any question, Seo Minjae casually stood up and motioned to follow him out.
"Come on."
Okay. Maybe he shouldn't be judging others by his own standards.
Seeing that others were still deep in conversation, Jiho quietly slipped out.
.
.
.
The building's pale walls reflected the heat, it was the scent of warm concrete mixed with surrounding.
Tsk.
Here we go.
Jiho hated to admit but this bastard looked annoyingly cool when he wasn't being a complete nuisance.
"I didnt expect our stoic and reserved hoobae-nim to seek me out on his own."
Seo Minjae leaned against the wall and calmly watched him. He slowly took a step forward and looked at him again.
"Guess I'm not invincible to you. It's an honor."
Geh.
"What are you talking about?"
Jiho just stared at him and calmly took a stepped forward. He just didn't want to seem intimidated.
As expected, this bastard held a grudge for avoiding him these days.
Jiho didn't think he was wrong to do so but what is this strange feeling?
***
So he's pretending not to know, huh?
Minjae sneered. "Do you think I'm some dumb shit?"
To the point, I couldnt even tell that I was being deliberately avoided?!
It infuriated him more than he expected.
"Jiho, you don't have anything to say?"
Jiho met his gaze without flinching. "Then sunbae–" he said blankly. "Do you wish to get an apology?"
"What?"
"Although I don't think I've done anything wrong." Jiho added with that same tactless attitude. "If Sunbae wants that, I can at least do that."
Yun Jiho, this little f**ker!
Seo Minjae could feel his blood pressure rising up his veins.
He asked through gritted teeth. "Do you think I need it?"
"Then what do you want from me?"
Jiho probed, genuinely looking puzzled.
Seo Minjae inhaled sharply. Constantly reminding himself: You are a mature adult. Don't let this little brat pull you down.
Haah.
He shoved a hand through his hair. "Forget it."
"No, I don't get it." Jiho stare didn't waver a bit. "if Sunbae wants to say something, please make it clear."
Haa... He was freaking unbelievable.
Minjae let out a bitter laugh. "You really are something else."
"Thank you."
"It wasn't a compliment."
"I figured." Jiho said flatly and then he lifted his gaze to meet Minjae's.
"... I have something to say."
Seo Minjae crossed his arms and his mouth twitched. "I'm listening."
Alright. Let's hear whatever nonsense this guy has to say.
Minjae motioned him to continue with a small nod.
"Sunbae..." Jiho took another step towards him, eyes fixed on him with unsettling focus. "Do you have any idea how popular you are?"
Huh?
Why the hell is he bringing this up now?
"I mean, I get it. You're handsome and tall and... You've got money too." Jiho added, stepping in again.
W-what is this guy even saying?!
Well, at least he knows I'm a catch.
"You good?" Minjae asked, narrowing his eyes as he was trying to peek into Jiho's brain. "Did you hit your head on the way down or something?"
Ahem!
Sorry, but that was the only answer he got.
Just a few second ago, this guy was after my throat.
Now he's throwing compliments like confetti?
Not that Minjae was flustered or anything. Definitely not.
"No," Jiho didn't even change his expression. He added flatly. "Because I only stated the reality."
What the actual—?
"If you're gonna butter me up, at least buy me coffee first." Minjae muttered, trying his best to sound cool.
And seriously, wasn't this guy standing dangerously close now?!
***
Jiho nodded inwardly, satisfied.
Now that he's laid the foundation, maybe he could get his point across.
Hmm?
His eyes stayed on Minjae's ear for a brief second.
Ah. No wonder I thought he look different today.
Minjae had two piercing on his right ear.
Sharp and chic. It suited him extremely well.
Minjae adjusted his posture, clearing his throat and asked. "What do you want to say?"
Jiho shifted his gaze back on Minjae's eyes. "Sunbae, can we be strangers again?"
Seo Minjae: "...!"