How did you two become so close? Yuna said that she likes Kwon Taek Joo's heartless side. Kwon Taek Joo did not deny the dating rumors of the two, nor did he keep his distance from Yuna. He himself doesn't care about rumors because no one will suffer any harm from those rumors.
(Yuna is Yuna Hyun just short for Yuna)
At that time, Kwon Taek Joo also did not have a love interest. That's the biggest reason he didn't feel the need to explain. When Kwon Taek Joo was recognized as Yuna Hyun's boyfriend, the gossip behind her back also decreased. They were no longer upset when she refused sympathy and set clear boundaries or when Yuna did not attend meetings or private events.
Everyone assumed it was because she was dating
and they understood it themselves. Sometimes they just blame Kwon Taek Joo for monopolizing his girlfriend too much, but anyway , it's more comfortable than before. So is Kwon Taek Joo. Troubles are also greatly reduced when he goes with Yuna Hyun, sometimes even more comfortable than going out with friends. Yuna Hyun did not ask any personal questions or interfere in his life, nor did she ask for any unreasonable favors or requests. Instead, she reserved a place in the classroom or the library, lent him books and papers needed to write reports, shared his assignments, and helped him a lot.
Yuna said it was to compete in good faith, but he didn't know if she was reciprocating in her own way.
Contrary to everyone's predictions and rumors, in reality, there was no love between the two. At least that's what Kwon Taek Joo thinks. He never saw Yuna Hyun as a woman. It seems that there is no place for love in Yuna Hyun's dictionary . He didn't know if it was her desire for success or not, but in his memory , Yuna always looked straight ahead. It
took him a while to find out why.
"I grew up in an orphanage."
That was around the time Yuna Hyun enrolled in the language training and student exchange program. If there were no other changes, it would be natural for her to be chosen.
Around that time, Kwon Taek Joo was preparing to enlist in the army. Is that the reason she confided? One time, Yuna confided in him. When he first heard about this, he couldn't help but wonder because he often saw family photos in her wallet.
"I think I've seen pictures of your family before."
"That's right, I was adopted."
Yuna Hyun replied nonchalantly and shook the empty soju glass. Kwon Taek Joo was very surprised but he didn't show it and just quietly filled her cup.
"My adoptive father was a firefighter ."
"What happened?"
"Because he died because of his career, when I was in high school."
He nodded gently. At that time, Kwon Taek Joo's situation was not much different. Yuna Hyun also knows that.
"I heard that your father also died while on duty, so I feel sympathy . You know very well what will happen to the family if one day the head of the family dies without warning."
Maybe that's why Yuna Hyun proactively approached him. Not simply because she
considered Kwon Taek Joo a competitor , not because of his indifference, but because he also had a similar situation.
"I am the child of a single mother . As soon as I was born, I was taken to an orphanage and grew up there until I was seven. My foster father often goes there to serve, and he's really quiet. I don't know why, but he treats me exceptionally well. I don't know if it's because I also like that person or not. Sometimes he came with his colleagues at the
fire station, and other times he came with his foster mother ."
Yuna Hyun's face flashed with happiness as she recalled the past. It was the face of someone immersed in a dream. That was also the first time Kwon Taek Joo saw her smile like that.
"From the beginning, I liked my adoptive mother . Every time I watch TV, I wish I had a mother with the image I imagined, kind, friendly , talkative and very caring. I cried with joy when I heard that you two would become my parents. I cried so much that they worried that I was afraid to go with them. That's how we became a family, and when I
was in elementary school, my mother had a younger brother . She is a precious child born after 10 years of marriage. All adults say they are lucky. After being adopted, I had a younger brother and there were many big and small events in the family. I was really happy because I had never felt anything like this before. I'm like a different person. I
couldn't sleep because I was impatiently waiting for a new member of the family. I wanted to do so many things for her when she was born."
Suddenly , an obvious story like 'an adopted child lost his position after his biological child was born' appeared in Kwon Taek Joo's mind. Yuna Hyun shook his head.
"Even after my younger brother was born, my parents always supported and loved me. My younger brother is very cute and always listens to me. An ideal family that I could only imagine has come true. At that time, every day was truly filled with joy and happiness..."
Yuna Hyun spoke passionately and then suddenly sighed, feeling a bit regretful.
"Then my father passed away. When a large fire broke out in a commercial building, he rushed to rescue those trapped inside but was unable to return. I feel like half the world has collapsed. Just sad, empty and hopeless. But the misfortune did not end there."
What happened? Kwon Taek Joo was curious but didn't rush to intervene, just waiting for the conversation to continue.
"Like normal children, I kept my position throughout the funeral. I also want to do that. There were many people who came to visit, relatives, father's colleagues, friends and neighbors... One day before the burial, an old colleague arrived very late. He asked if I was the eldest child, I said 'yes' but didn't know anything. Then he told a strange story."
Kwon Taek Joo tilted his head to listen. You can't guess the story behind it. Yuna Hyun reminisced and smiled as if there was something unreasonable. For a moment, Yuna Hyun's face was confused with mixed emotions.
"Actually , I am the biological daughter of my deceased father. I heard that there was a girl that my father secretly met with my mother outside, and that girl gave birth to me but was completely unable to raise me, so she sent me to an orphanage. My dad received the news late and then continuously volunteered to meet me. Because my father always
cared about me, my mother offered to adopt me."
"...What??"
"It's not trustworthy because he told that story when he was drunk. I don't know how close that colleague was to my father, but I can't ignore it."
"What happened? According to a former colleague, the late husband had an affair and gave birth to a child because his wife was infertile and secretly visited the child at the orphanage and deceived his wife to adopt the child. It was like a bomb falling on the life full of dedication and devotion of the deceased. Whether that's true or not, I can't
imagine how my adoptive mother and younger brother must have felt. I didn't even know
what to say at that time."
"My mother refused to take a test to confirm paternity because she said it was not necessary , she did not want to offend the deceased, and father was not that kind of person, so we had to trust him. It's better to have to do it! After hearing that, the whole family was no longer the same. I feel my mother is upset every time she treats me, and I
also feel sorry for my mother and younger brother ."
Yuna Hyun drank the glass she had been holding in one gulp. Then she shrugged and let out a long breath. When she spoke again, her voice was as strong as usual.
"From then on, I thought I should be independent. It will be very difficult for the mother to raise and take care of her younger brother alone. I need to take care of myself so I don't become a burden."
Only then did Kwon Taek Joo understand why Yuna Hyun worked tirelessly , why she always struggled to maintain high grades.
"It doesn't make sense but I often think about whether everything would be okay if my father hadn't passed away. Because of that, I want to create a machine that can be taken into dangerous places that humans cannot enter during rescue and firefighting operations. I hope there won't be any more sacrifices like my father."
Either way, he was the one who created a family for Yuna Hyun. It seems like Yuna Hyun still remembers the happy times when he was alive. And maybe she will live like that for the rest of her life.
"I told my mom I was going to become an exchange student."
"Did you say anything?"
"Congratulations on doing well, proud of myself. But really in my heart... Even if it's just once, I hope she'll keep me, that she'll be sad if I leave."
Yuna Hyun smiled helplessly . Her eyes were still glued to the empty soju glass.
"I think moderate happiness is good. But if I could do it, I wouldn't feel the way I do now. I love that time that I can't get back, but now everything is empty and nothing can fill it. I feel like I'm alone in this world."
Yuna Hyun sighed and raised her head. The two people's eyes met. The eyes are brown and transparent, surrounded by a light tear.
"Kwon Taek Joo, please stand by me."
(This was all a flashback, if you didn't know)
——
[...Taek Joo]
Kwon Taek Joo was startled by the call. Zhenya, who had just finished showering, was standing behind him, naked.
[Crazy man, put something on.]
He ignored Kwon Taek Joo's criticism and walked towards the refrigerator . The guy's penis was redder than usual, he didn't know if it was from the shower or from having sex all night. The condom mark is still dark red, looking so seductive. Not to mention the fingerprints left on his arms and broad back. Kwon Taek Joo suddenly looked down at
his nails. They had been cut short but the consequences were still the same. Zhenya took a bottle of water from the refrigerator and drank, his eyes fixed on Kwon Taek Joo.
[Who called?]
He tilted his chin towards the phone in Kwon Taek Joo's hand. It seemed he heard the phone. You can generally answer that it's a call from his mother or from headquarters because it will be less annoying. But Kwon Taek Joo still answered honestly . There's also nothing to hide from each other.
[College friend.]
[College friends? It must have been 10 years since you graduated?]
[Uhm.]
[Why are they suddenly calling at this time?]
[...What, it's not like I can't be called. You say it like it's strange.]
[That's because the listener finds it strange. Or are you hiding something?]
Zhenya looked at him and asked what kind of person that was. There was nothing for him to suspect, and no reason to hide it, but there was also no benefit in saying who it was. Who knows, maybe disaster will come to the very normal lives of innocent people. Kwon Taek Joo complained of hunger and quickly changed the subject. Zhenya looked disapproving but out of habit, he put a pot of water on the stove. Looks like the guy is
cooking ramen again.
Normally he doesn't complain, but today Kwon Taek Joo wanted to divert Zhenya's attention by asking for spicy stir-fried noodles on the menu. He bluntly said that it wasn't food. Kwon Taek Joo promised that he would definitely give him a bite
to eat.
(Said like if it wasn't the spicy stir-fried noodles, he would let Zhenya have some.)
When asked by Yuna Hyun if he would attend the gathering, Kwon Taek Joo replied that he would come. It wasn't because he was curious or immersed in old memories, he just felt like he should see her one last time.
——
"Ah, here."
Kwon Taek Joo raised his hand. Yoon Jong Woo was running excitedly , gradually slowing down. That's because a tall foreigner was sitting across from Kwon Taek Joo, with his back towards the entrance. Looking from behind, he was still skeptical, but the feeling of insecurity did not disappear . Then suddenly Yoon Jong Woo's body became as hard as stone. That's because Zhenya, the crazy guy from Russia, turned to look at Yoon Jong Woo.
"Senior ...?"
He rolled his eyes and looked at Kwon Taek Joo. Yoon Jong Woo ran over as soon as he got off work because he had promised to serve beef for dinner, and also didn't announce that anyone else would be joining the two. Of course, if it's a normal person
then it won't be a problem, no matter who it is. But if that person is Zhenya, it's a different story. If he knew he would eat with him, Yoon Jong Woo would never come to this place.
"Sit down first. I'm hungry ."
Kwon Taek Joo patted the chair next to him without any explanation. Yoon Jong Woo clutched his bag strap and glanced at Zhenya. What if you run away right now? Was he grabbed by the back of his neck and pulled back immediately? Or will his neck be
broken saying he feels insulted by being ignored? After drawing violent pictures, Yoon Jong Woo hesitantly sat down. Zhenya stared at him. An unreasonable feeling of fear when facing the clear, unblinking eyes aimed at me. Are people's eyes supposed to be so clear?
"What do you want to eat??"
"Can I go home without eating?"
"What's wrong? I said I would buy you beef."
"Suddenly I don't want to eat anymore. I'm not very hungry either. Ah, it seems like my stomach is full! I have a bloated stomach, senior."
"If you have a bloated stomach, you have to eat a lot to get better. Right?"
"No, since you have someone to eat with, I'll go."
The man begged "Please" but Kwon Taek Joo called the staff while listening and asked for many dishes himself. Before long, the dining table was filled with side dishes. However , Zhenya still did not take his eyes off Yoon Jong Woo. The look was so intense that even though the man tried to avoid it, he couldn't help but pay attention. If he faced a tiger, would he feel like this? If he were trapped with sharks in a large water tank, he didn't know what it would be like. His knees were so tense that he lost feeling.
"Don't just look at each other, say hello to each other. After all, we are friends."
"...Yes?"
"You two are the same age."
Kwon Taek Joo explained superficially . Yoon Jong Woo also knew that Zhenya had the same year of birth as him because Kwon Taek Joo often asked him to investigate Zhenya's background.
"After all, it's you."
It was the strangest sound he had ever heard
in his life. Instinct warns that it should never happen.
"Senior . Why do you treat me like this?"
The boy grabbed Kwon Taek Joo's arm and shook it pitifully before letting go. Zhenya even looked directly at Yoon Jong Woo more openly. Did he do anything to offend him? Yoon Jong Woo was startled and closed his mouth. Even the lips curled silently into the mouth. Two hands obediently placed on his knees.
[Is that you? Are you the junior who drank with Teak Joo?]
Yoon Jong Woo wondered if the crazy Russian had a voice like that. It's so different. It wasn't as deep as he thought, but it was a tone he had never heard before. In addition, he felt a strange chill. Is relaxed and contorted intonation characteristic of Russian? He didn't know Russian so he couldn't know. What did Zhenya's first words mean? Kwon Taek Joo smiled next to him, so he also raised the corners of his mouth. Kwon Taek Joo forced a smile to warn Zhenya.
[Hey, stop staring. He's scared.]
[What did you do?]
[You have to maintain a minimum of politeness with someone you just met for the first time. Smile, kid.]
Yoon Jong Woo rolled his eyes at the back and forth conversation in Russian. Zhenya continued to glance at him displeased. They say you can't spit on a smiley face, but apparently that's not true in Russia. Cold eyes seem to represent all kinds of negative expressions. Like there's a thorn in the eye. Kwon Taek Joo moved the corn cheese, fruit salad, and potato pancakes in front of him to the other side while saying something to Zhenya. Those items don't really suit Kwon Taek Joo's taste, but he usually doesn't bother to move them. Even crazy people can't eat spicy food because they're foreigners? While watching curiously , Kwon Taek Joo suddenly wrapped his arms around Yoon
Jong Woo's neck. His head was tilted that way.
"Jong Woo, I need to ask you a favor."
"Don't."
"What is a good junior? Don't be like that, help me once."
"Do you know how many times that one-time thing has happened? You must have a conscience."
Instead of talking, he looked into Zhenya's eyes. The stare at his forehead was too painful to ignore.
[You two are very close, right?]
It was still in Russian so he couldn't understand, but he could clearly see that Zhenya hated Yoon Jong Woo. Blue eyes like a sharp blade.
"Senior . Can you tell that person to stop staring at me? Looks like he doesn't like you."
"Don't be like that. You two are compatible."
"We aren't. I will forget that person as soon as I leave this store. I will live without knowing anything."
"Just for today"
"I said I don't like it."
"Then it can't work."
Kwon Taek Joo muttered. Yoon Jong Woo has an unfortunate premonition.
"Why not?"
"You have to play with him today."
In an instant, Yoon Jong Woo's expression disappeared. He shook his head and was sure he had heard wrong. Kwon Taek Joo nodded and said he heard correctly then burst out laughing. Yoon Jong Woo immediately turned serious and whispered quickly .
"What nonsense are you talking about?"
"Hey, let's look at the situation. Just half a day. Hmm?"
"No, that person is not a child, why do I have to watch over him?"
Yoon Jong Woo also unconsciously pointed at Zhenya. Zhenya frowned. Even with that, his index finger twisted. In a situation like this, how can we stay together for more than a day? It's impossible.
Kwon Taek Joo's persuasion continues.
"If that bastard follows, it will be very troublesome."
"Where are you going, senior?"
"Me? I came to meet my university classmates."
"Then it's okay to take him there. Show them what that crazy Russian looks like, tell them he's the Russian ambassador to Korea. You will become the main character ."
"Ah, stop joking."
"What senior is saying is a joke."
"Actually , I only asked for help today. Hmm? I will buy all the items you want."
"Enough. I said I bought it because I didn't know how expensive it was."
"Even if it's expensive, it won't cost more than 500 million won."
"500 million? Ha, senior. Even if it's a game item, it's not virtual money , it's real money ."
"I know."
"But you said spending 5,000 won on items is a waste?"
"That's right, but...I have my own money . That kid gave me a tip. If you earn dirty money , you have to spend it roughly to reduce the feeling of guilt, so I'll spend it on you."
What did he say? Should you commit? Suddenly , a limited item appeared in Yoon Jong Woo's mind equivalent to a whole month's salary. A very rare item for domestic cars. He didn't believe that Kwon Taek Joo would buy it for him, but if it was money from Zhenya then the story seemed more believable. If he spends half a day with a pure-blooded Russian madman, Yoon Jong Woo can get
special items that he can't afford. His level will increase dramatically and his position in the game will also change significantly .
But is it worth risking his life for? Yoon Jong Woo hesitated for a moment then shook his head.
"Ah, I don't know. Seniors are doing their work, so why should I sacrifice?"
"I only trust you..."
"I told you not to trust me! Please don't believe it! I told you I don't like it!"
Yoon Jong Woo shouted violently . Kwon Taek Joo also had to raise the white flag.
"Then there is no other way."
Kwon Taek Joo slumped his shoulders and sighed. The series of actions of picking up meat and placing it on the fire table looks very tiring. Not interested. How long has it been since Yoon Jong Woo was swayed by Kwon Taek Joo? Now he was immune to that level of acting. Today you just need to eat beef or something delicious and that's
enough.
The problem is the harsh atmosphere Zhenya creates. His eyes were still glued to Yoon Jong Woo's body and did not leave. If his gaze were a knife, it felt like the epidermis was being sliced open little by little and then completely decomposed.
He couldn't eat even a side dish and just sucked on his empty chopsticks.
"What are you doing? Eat this, it's all cooked."
Kwon Taek Joo said as he cut the meat. He even asked for a fork from a passing employee as if he just remembered it. The fork he received was placed in front of Zhenya. A fork big enough to easily harm a human like killing an ant in his hand looks like a fork used by children. Because in the hands of a foreigner , the fork didn't look anything special, but of course he wouldn't have any difficulty cutting off your life with that small fork.
Yoon Jong Woo suppressed his random thoughts and diligently picked up the meat in front of him. The meat is grilled just right so it melts in your mouth. The taste of the gravy left on the tongue is also excellent.
"It's delicious. Let's eat more."
Kwon Taek Joo piled up meat in front of Yoon Jong Woo. In fact, he himself didn't eat anything. Yoon Jong Woo offered to grill instead but he refused. Kwon Taek Joo wrapped the meat and gently stuffed it into his mouth before Zhenya's puzzled eyes. Kwon Taek Joo grilled the meat for a long time then stood up from his seat. Yoon Jong
Woo suddenly grabbed his wrist.
"Eh, where are you going?"
"I'm going to go to the bathroom and to smoke a cigarette."
"Then I will go with you."
"Why would you chase me to the bathroom? Keep eating, kid."
Kwon Taek Joo rejected Yoon Jong Woo. Before leaving his seat, he also asked Zhenya for something in Russian. Zhenya reluctantly nodded. He turned back and glanced at Yoon Jong Woo from top to bottom and clicked his tongue. Soon there were only two people left at the table. No chatting. The meat was burning on the stove, but Yoon Jong Woo didn't dare touch it. He just took turns looking at the bathroom and the door and waiting for Kwon Taek Joo to return.
But Kwon Taek Joo did not appear even after endless time passed. Feeling strange, Yoon Jong Woo took his phone out of his pocket and tried sending a text message.
"Senior? Why are you taking so long? I'm suffocating and about to die."
"Sorry, Jong Woo. Thanks to you."
"What? Senior? Isn't that right?"
"I'll leave quickly and come back so please monitor carefully so that kid doesn't do anything else. Well, if that kid suddenly disappears, call me right away. Anti-terrorism. Protect civilians. Just think so."
Kwon Taek Joo did not read Yoon Jong Woo's message after the last sentence. He tried
calling right away but as expected he didn't pick up.
"Unbelievable!"
Yoon Jong Woo jumped up and screamed. Immediately , the attention of everyone around him was focused on him. Zhenya also suddenly looked at Yoon Jong Woo. He felt dissatisfied at being looked at like a crazy person by a crazy person. In the end, what do you have to do to make him obediently stay here?
Yoon Jong Woo sat down on the chair with tears in his eyes. Sweat poured down like rain all over his body. The meat on the grill is burning black like Yoon Jong Woo's lap.
The staff came and asked if he needed to turn off the fire. He just wanted to beg to let him go home.
Yet the employee also turned away cruelly. Zhenya still crossed his arms and silently watched Yoon Jong Woo, he could only look out the window but nothing came into view.
「 Come to think of it, I have something to ask. 」
Zhenya suddenly opened his mouth. Yoon Jong Woo was startled because he never thought he would speak first. Perhaps out of consideration for his audience, he used English. That is American English. However , it sounds like a completely different language because of the Russian pronunciation and intonation. Is it because of his
dazzling appearance that what he said just now sounded so luxurious?
「 Star? Ask me? I mean... Ah, ask 」
Even if they were the same age or friends, he couldn't treat them comfortably . Yoon Jong Woo suddenly stuttered. Zhenya asked incredulously .
「 Every time Taek Joo calls me, he usually uses the word " 새끼 " in Korean. What does
that mean?」
( 새끼 / saekki, has different meaning on the situation, it can mean, bastard, baby, kid, or
more on the situation)
A completely unpredictable question arose. The train of thought stopped for a moment. How should I answer so that I can be safe? Yoon Jong Woo swallowed his saliva. If you look back at Kwon Taek Joo's daily words and actions, he has the answer . When he first joined the company , he was a difficult boss to approach. The two don't see each
other often, and when they do meet they never talk about unnecessary things. So Yoon Jong Woo thinks he is a serious person. That's a mistake. After getting a little closer, Kwon Taek Joo joked around and took care of him more. Except when he works, he's like an older brother next door.
This bastard, that bastard, that bastard, in general is proof that he has gotten closer to Yoon Jong
Woo. However , if the target was Zhenya, would it sound more like a curse than an expression
of friendliness. This relationship was very complicated from the beginning. No matter
how beautiful and elegant he is, he cannot be lovable. The answer is out, but the problem is that Yoon Jong Woo can't confess right away. He's
a crazy guy who doesn't care about other people's eyes, but you can't tell him that's a curse.
While drinking water and wasting time, how should Yoon Jong Woo respond to keep this small network safe? He exploded thinking.
「 I searched on the translator and found that it means 'Baby'. Is it really like that? 」
Yoon Jong Woo spit out the water he was drinking after hearing the question and then coughed. Zhenya frowned, waiting for an answer .
Is that better? At least it's not a curse word? It's impossible to know what a monster is thinking, either live or die. Yoon Jong Woo threw his trump card.
「Yes. That's right. Almost the same. It's a term of endearment used between people who
are very, very close.」
Kwon Taek Joo may get into trouble later, but the problem is that Yoon Jong Woo has to live now to see that. It was he who first put you in this situation. This level is not even revenge.
[Hmm... Baby...]
Zhenya mumbled a smile and sat back in the chair. Yoon Jong Woo didn't know what he was thinking, but the smile on his lips took a long time to fade.