The Muse

Yoo Yejun: [Hyung, what are you doing on the weekend?]Sihoo, holding his phone, was wearing only pants. It was a Saturday morning after he finished his workout and shower, and he was reading Yejun’s message asking about his plans.“Interesting.”He murmured softly, pressing a towel to his shoulder. A drop of water clung to the tip of his chin before sliding down. The liquid flowed between his well-defined chest muscles and settled on his abs.Whether the droplet fell to the floor or evaporated didn’t concern Sihoo. He was more preoccupied with recalling the events of the early morning.‘You have to keep that promise.’Yejun’s joy was evident, even revealing his white teeth. His happiness was so infectious that Sihoo almost felt affected by it.While Sihoo stood with a blank expression in response to Yejun’s unabashed reaction, Yejun suddenly leaned forward. The close distance, as if he were about to kiss, snapped him out of his daze.‘Wait…’Just as he was about to stop him, Yejun held something out.‘Give me your number.’‘…Number?’In Yejun’s hand was a phone. His voice was tinged with laughter.‘Yes, your phone number, hyung.’He hadn’t expected Yejun to ask for his number so suddenly. The unexpected situation was surprising but not unpleasant. In fact, the brazen gleam in Yejun’s eyes made it quite entertaining. That was why he readily gave his number.“…What are you doing on the weekend?”His murmured voice was languid. If he had received the message during work, he wouldn’t have replied. He wasn’t free enough to answer such questions.But at this moment, Baek Sihoo was having a leisurely weekend. After his workout, he felt more relaxed than usual, and the lack of a busy schedule also satisfied him. That was why he readily replied to the message.[Just here.]As soon as he replied, the message was marked as read. It was a quick response, as if Yejun had been holding his phone the whole time.Yoo Yejun: [I want to talk.]Yoo Yejun: [Can I?]Sihoo walked to the living room, holding his phone in one hand and a towel in the other. Instead of replying immediately, he glanced around. His view included interior elements that gave a heavy feeling.Cool blue curtains covered the window. The sofa and long table next to it were both black. Even the carpet below was gray, creating a calm yet somewhat gloomy atmosphere.‘Gloomy?’At the thought, a slight twitch moved near Sihoo’s eyes. The dark colors of his space were perfect for calming his mind. He hadn’t expected the place that gave him peace to suddenly feel gloomy. Puzzled by his sudden change in thought, Sihoo tilted his head.In his mind, he pictured Yejun’s studio apartment. Smaller and less impressive compared to his place, it was filled with warm colors and warmth.The sunlight streaming through the window, the beige wallpaper, the bathroom smelling of soap—all exuded a bright energy.He pushed the curtains aside. Beyond the revealed glass window, the Han River was visible. Under the rare blue sky, the river water glistened white. Fixing his gaze on the cars passing by, Sihoo pressed the call button.— Hello?The silence of the living room was broken by Yejun’s voice. At the end of the cheerful voice, a small laugh followed. Sihoo half-closed his eyes like someone admiring artwork in a gallery.Cute.Cute and a bit much.Sihoo had a line. The line he drew between himself and others became more distinct as he aged. This line, created by his stubbornness, values, and prejudices, was something a much younger kid kept trying to cross. The way he smiled as if talking to someone he had known for a long time was just like that.― I didn’t expect you to call first.“You asked if we could talk. I saw the message and called.”Sihoo, standing straight, moved only his lips.“No particular reason.”It meant that there wasn’t any significant reason for contacting him. Despite the dry tone, Yejun just laughed shyly. His voice, falling around his earlobes, was refreshing.Seeing that Yejun wasn’t offended at all, Sihoo lowered his eyelids. His previously expressionless face softened, and a smile appeared on his lips.‘Well, well.’He never thought the phrase ‘I’ll let it slide because it’s cute’ would apply to his life until he met Yejun.― Hyung.“Go ahead.”― Are you just there now?“Why? Is there a reason you’re asking?”When he asked in a slightly informal tone, Yejun answered softly.― Yes, there’s a reason.‘Yes.’ It felt like he was deliberately responding informally. Sihoo lowered his head and let out a small laugh. His now completely dry hair swayed and tickled his forehead.― Do you want to come to the shop? We open early on weekends. I’ll treat you to lunch.“Treat?”― Yes, let’s have a meal together. If you want, I’ll play for you too.Yejun added in a cool tone. They opened at noon on weekends, so it would be a good time to have lunch together. He suggested coming to see Hyunseok and enjoy the performance.“…Not bad.”Sihoo added slowly.“I don’t drink, just so you know.”― You can drink if you want.“I won’t be drinking with you.”A short silence followed. Soon, Yejun asked in a tone as slow as Sihoo’s.― Why? Are you afraid you’ll kiss me again?He’s not an easy opponent. His skill in suddenly pointing out mistakes was impressive. Sihoo blinked a few times before letting out a breathy sound.“Don’t take it too badly.”― …I’m not upset, but I have something to say.“Something to say? What is it?”Whether he was hesitating or deliberately pausing, Yejun didn’t answer immediately. Meanwhile, a ray of sunlight fell on Sihoo’s hand. As the warmth, unfitting for winter, enveloped his hand, he twitched his fingers.― When we smoked, you were sober. Yet you touched my hand just fine.His fingers tightened around the phone. The bones stood out, and the blue veins under his hand bulged. Staring as if Yejun were right in front of him, Sihoo spoke.“What are you trying to say?”― It means you were the same whether sober or drunk. So if you want to drink, just drink.“I said no.”― …Now I’m curious.“About what.”― Whether you really won’t kiss me sober. That’s what I’m curious about.At the bold statement, Sihoo frowned and called, “Yoo Yejun?” Yejun pretended not to hear and quickly added.― See you later then.The playful tone in his voice was evident. After the call ended, Sihoo realized that Yejun had deliberately provoked him. He let out a sound, raising one corner of his mouth.Curious if I really won’t kiss you sober?Sihoo tossed his phone onto the sofa. His eyes, heading towards the dressing room where his clothes were displayed, were shining for the first time in a while. As he moved in that direction, he muttered to himself.“Don’t beg me to do it for you, kid.”⟡ ݁₊ .“Ugh…”A low groan filled the car. The sound came from someone rubbing the back of his head against the window. Disheveled hair and languid eyes belonged to Yoo Yejun.Taking a deep breath, Yejun stretched his hand forward. Between his hook-like curled fingers slid Sihoo’s.Their hands naturally intertwined, and Sihoo, also flushed, had disheveled hair that had been swept back earlier. Leaving strands to poke at his eyes, Sihoo pressed his body closer to his companion.“Ah.”“……”“Hyung.”Sihoo bit gently into the nape of Yejun’s neck as he panted heavily. Although the nibble was light, it seemed stimulating enough for Yejun to grimace. Strength returned to Yejun’s fingers as he writhed his large frame.In response, Sihoo pressed Yejun’s chest down with his free hand.“Stay still.”His low mutter carried sticky, damp excitement. Running his palm over the wildly pounding chest, Sihoo pressed their lips together again. Having shared one kiss already, both of their lips were damp.Sihoo let his tongue roam, brushing against Yejun’s palate and unabashedly swallowing the saliva pooled inside. The sound of his throat swallowing resonated, making Yejun’s eyes widen. Yejun tilted his head back, trying to evade Sihoo’s kiss.“……Sihoo hyung.”When Yejun said his name, his face was calm. Yet, contrary to his composed expression, his eyes betrayed a swirling desire.“You once said you wouldn’t do this sober, didn’t you?”Straightening his back, Sihoo looked down at him. His long lashes partly veiled eyes carrying a similar glow to Yejun’s. Sihoo lightly smiled, letting out an “ah” as he scratched his neck. His movements, unhurried like a spider spinning its web, carried a strange heaviness.“Take that back now.”The soft whisper barely left his lips when Yejun’s mouth fell open in surprise. Enjoying the reaction, Sihoo stared at him quietly. Even when Yejun grabbed him with one hand and cupped his jaw with the other, he didn’t avert his gaze.“Haah, mmph.”Roughly pressing their lips together, Sihoo released pheromones without restraint. Had Yejun been an omega, breathing would’ve been unbearable in the car’s intense atmosphere.Welcoming the invading tongue, Sihoo fully shut his eyes. Occasionally, he shuddered under the touches on his jaw, cheeks, and ears.⟡ ݁₊ .Several hours before exchanging fervent kisses in the car, Sihoo had maintained a composed face. He hadn’t foreseen himself laying hands on Yejun again after their unexpected reunion.Similarly, Yejun, unaware of the impending events, was neatly dressed. Like the first time Sihoo saw him at the bar, Yejun wore a white shirt and black pants, holding out something toward him. Seated across the table, Sihoo directed his gaze downward. On the table lay five CD albums.“These are jazz piano albums, and those are classical. You know pianist Cho XX, right? The one who won the Chopin International Piano Competition.”“Why are you giving me these?”“You seemed interested in piano. I wanted to give them to you.”Sihoo’s fingers touched the albums, gliding over the smooth covers. While his fingers lingered, Yejun added more.“If there’s a song you like, let me know. I’ll play it for you.”“You can play any song I name?”“Yes.”As if certain, Yejun paused momentarily. His furrowed brows and held breath hinted at deep thought. After a few seconds, a faint smile tugged at Yejun’s lips.“Even if I can’t, I’ll practice until I can.”His voice carried warmth. Though the kindness came from sincerity, Sihoo didn’t express gratitude. Instead, he quietly observed Yejun. The daylight-filled wine bar created an atmosphere perfect for their gazes to lock and intertwine.“Are you always like this?”The one to break the silence was Sihoo.“What?”“I’m asking if you always act so friendly to just anyone.”Unlike Yejun, Sihoo’s tone was utterly dry. The flat delivery seemed to catch Yejun off guard, and he shut his mouth tightly, furrowing his brows. His expression was one of disapproval, as if he hadn’t expected Sihoo to draw such a clear line even now. Ignoring Yejun’s reaction, Sihoo turned his head to the side.The bar, which had opened early, was empty save for the two of them. Even the owner, Hyunseok, had been in the kitchen preparing ingredients for some time. The overly quiet space suddenly felt stifling. Just then, a soft whisper reached Sihoo’s ear.“I’m not just anyone to you, though, are I?”Yejun wasn’t one to back down easily. His voice, gentle but firm, made a faint smile creep onto Sihoo’s face.“It’s a bit disappointing. Can’t you let me do this much for you?”Meeting Yejun’s gaze again, Sihoo replied, “We’ve only known each other for how long? You’re being too much.”“……”“Offering to pay for meals, giving me gifts… It’s a little overwhelming.”This time, Yejun didn’t show any signs of being shaken.“To you, I might be just anyone, but to me, you’re not.”Now it was Sihoo’s turn to fall silent. As he stayed quiet, Yejun continued speaking slowly but clearly.“That’s why I want to be good to you. This, too—it’s all fate.”“You’re acting like I’m your boyfriend. That’s why it feels like this.”“It’s just a few albums. Take them lightly.”“…Fine. Lightly.”Sihoo repeated the word Yejun had used, his tone deliberate. Satisfied, he felt a bit of ease settle in his heart and flashed a small smile.“Alright then, I’ll accept them. Thank you.”He didn’t forget to express his gratitude in a gentle tone. Yejun unclasped his hands, which had been neatly folded together on the table. His smooth face carried a mixture of relief and dissatisfaction.But instead of addressing his feelings, Yejun posed an unexpected question.“Is this how you act in relationships?”“Hmm?”“Earlier, you said I was acting like you were my boyfriend. I was wondering if this is how you treat your partner.”“……”“Paying for meals, giving gifts.”Tilting his head slightly, Sihoo mentally retraced his memories. He quickly realized he’d never experienced what one might call a proper relationship.‘I can’t exactly say I’ve never done that before.’If he admitted to being single, Yejun would likely laugh, asking why he’d spoken as if he knew better. The idea that his lack of relationship experience was somehow a flaw irritated him. But outwardly, Sihoo maintained a composed demeanor.“Well, yeah, I suppose so.”Just as he answered briefly, Hyunseok emerged from the kitchen. Spotting his apron-clad friend, Sihoo called out to him, partly to change the subject.“Are you done prepping?”“Yeah, just finished. Ugh, thinking about working until dawn again makes me dizzy.”Hyunseok had a knack for cutting through awkward silences and lightening the mood. Rubbing his forehead, he began chatting about the customers from the previous night.As Hyunseok’s lively chatter filled the air, Sihoo chewed on a piece of steak. Having worked at a restaurant in the past, Hyunseok knew how to prepare a decent steak.“So, how’d you two end up getting close?”After wrapping up his story, Hyunseok glanced back and forth between them. He seemed curious about why Sihoo was sitting with one of the bar’s part-time workers.“We’re in the process of getting closer.”Sihoo’s response carried a subtle implication that they weren’t close yet. Suddenly, a clattering sound caught his attention. Yejun, wide-eyed with his mouth slightly agape, was staring at him. In front of Yejun, a fork and knife lay sprawled across a tray.A strange urge to stick his fingers into Yejun’s open mouth flitted through his mind. Realizing how childish his thoughts were, Sihoo quickly cleared his throat and asked casually.“Why are you looking at me like that?”“I didn’t think you’d say something like that.”“?”“We’re in the process of getting closer… I like that.”Yejun rubbed his cheek with his palm, his eyes cast downward. His face was flushed, like someone who had just come in from the cold.“You’re so cute, Yejun.”Sihoo let his thought slip out loud. “What?!” Hyunseok exclaimed, bewildered. Sihoo, however, remained composed.“Is it because he’s young? No, that can’t be it.”“Right, you weren’t even the least bit cute when you were young. Wait, are you saying Yejun is… cute?”Hyunseok reacted as though he’d heard something absurd.“Yejun… is?”“He’s cute. Look at that—he’s sulking because he thinks he’s not cute.”“I’m not sulking,” Yejun protested, his brows furrowing. His honest expression pleased Sihoo. He looked like a big puppy—wagging his tail when happy, baring his teeth when upset.“He might start barking if you ask him to.”“Pardon?”“Just talking to myself. Don’t mind it.”“…”Yejun picked up the menu with a sullen look. His large hands made the menu seem almost too small to hold.“If there’s anything you want to eat, just let me know.”Despite his annoyed expression, his voice was kind. Sihoo responded, “Sure.”See? He’s adorable.A rare sense of calm settled over Sihoo. Thinking it was shaping up to be a relaxing weekend, he briefly closed his eyes. His vibrant, crimson lips formed a faint, lazy smile.⟡ ݁₊ .“Put it on this card.”While Yejun was in the restroom, Sihoo handed his card over. Hyunseok, standing at the counter, blinked in surprise.“I thought Yejun said he’d pay.”“How could I let a kid pay for me?”“What if he gets upset?”“Doesn’t matter—I can’t allow it.”Sihoo’s voice was characteristically devoid of emotion.“I’m not about to leech off a broke kid.”“Fine, but don’t blame me if Yejun gets mad.”“…”As he accepted the card, Hyunseok hummed, “I don’t know anything,” in a sing-song voice. Sihoo glanced at the albums in his hand. The word “JAZZ” printed on one of them caught his eye.As he read the word, memories of Yejun’s jazz performance came rushing back. Bright, lively, and powerful music still seemed to echo in his ears.“Does Yejun not know?”Hyunseok suddenly lowered his voice, breaking Sihoo’s thoughts. Sihoo frowned slightly, curious.“Know what?”“About you. You know, the usual stuff.”The “usual stuff” likely referred to Sihoo’s family background, status, and public recognition. Sihoo was about to dismiss it, saying Yejun only knew his name. At that moment, a cool breeze brushed his cheek.Sihoo turned toward the unexpected chill. Standing near the door was Yejun, partially hidden behind it.“You’re back?”“…”Yejun stood there, his gaze fixed on Sihoo. His sharp eyes and twitching lips hinted at negative emotions, but Sihoo couldn’t quite pinpoint what they were.“Hey, Yejun. Why are you just standing there? Come in,” Hyunseok called out. Only then did Yejun start moving, his steps slow and deliberate. Hyunseok added a few remarks as Yejun approached.“He already paid. Don’t worry about it—he’s rich, after all. Just make him buy you something even more expensive next time.”“Why do you have to say things like that?”“Why not? Can’t I say I’m rich?”Instead of replying, Sihoo turned his gaze to Yejun. Yejun’s face showed no signs of surprise. It was as if he already knew Sihoo had paid.The frown on Sihoo’s forehead deepened.‘He knew I paid.’That meant he had been watching all along. Of course, there was no problem since their conversation had been trivial.But Yejun didn’t seem to think so.“Why?”His tone had a strange edge to it.“Why did you pay, hyung?”Confused, Sihoo tilted his head.“Is it that big of a deal?”“Yes.”“…”“I told you I would treat. So why did you pay?”“…”“Why do you always do things your way?”After finishing his words, Yejun turned towards Hyunseok. It felt as if he was indicating he wanted nothing more to do with Sihoo. Watching Yejun hand over the card to recalculate, Sihoo reached out. His pale, long fingers wrapped around Yejun’s wrist like tendrils.“Enough. Come out.”Despite the firm grip, Yejun didn’t budge. Sihoo, keeping his gaze on him, added another word.“Come out.”As soon as he spoke informally, a light flashed in Yejun’s eyes. He met Sihoo’s gaze and shook off his hand. His long neck turned red with embarrassment, as if he had been insulted.Before Sihoo could question it, Yejun walked past him. As the door shut with a sharp sound, Hyunseok waved his hand.“Just go apologize.”“…Why should I?”“You said something about a poor kid, didn’t you? Yejun must have heard it all.”Thinking back, it seemed he had said something like that. Suddenly, his temples began to throb.“You said it wouldn’t matter if he got angry, remember?”“Fine.”Sihoo let out a short sigh, then turned and left. Stepping outside, he saw Yejun’s receding figure.“Yoo Yejun.”Even though he didn’t raise his voice, Yejun stopped walking. Fixing his gaze on Yejun’s straight neck and broad shoulders, Sihoo spoke.“What’s got you so mad?”It wasn’t an apology that came out. Before he could say sorry, Sihoo had to resolve his curiosity.“I can pay for it.”“I made the promise.”“I can’t be shameless enough to get treated by someone younger.”“Someone younger.”Yejun, who had been listening quietly, sighed. White breath rose into the sky and quickly disappeared from view.“I don’t know much about you, hyung, but…”“…”“You’re kind of…like that.”There was a hint of sarcasm in his tone. The voice that reached his ears made Sihoo narrow his eyes. The warmth and joy he had been feeling were long gone.“In what way?”“You think you’re the only one who’s great. Just like last time. Shoving a check into my pocket out of nowhere.”“…”“Talking about a kid with no money, offering unasked-for favors. It seems like you don’t care if others end up being mocked.”Yejun’s murmuring tone grew increasingly dry. His voice, devoid of any warmth, carried a brittle quality as he turned his head to look at Sihoo’s face. The fleeting anger that had been visible moments ago was now gone.“If it’s going to be like this, why did you come to see me?”Yejun added with a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips.“Why did you want to hear my performance?”As Yejun spoke, Sihoo didn’t utter a single word. Standing motionless as if he’d heard something he shouldn’t have, he simply stared at Yejun. Even as a strong wind tugged at his coat and tousled a few strands of hair, his smooth face remained unshaken.“…Haa.”It was Yejun who broke the silence, as heavy as iron. Lowering his long eyelashes, he sighed once more before moving his feet and walking away. He didn’t even glance back, as if there was no lingering attachment to the person he left behind.Left alone, Sihoo shoved his hands into his pockets. The card he hadn’t had time to put in his wallet pressed against his skin. His fingers pushed it aside with a hint of irritation.⟡ ݁₊ .One of Yejun’s words lingered in his ears, refusing to fade for a long time.“If it’s going to be like this, why did you come to see me?”He should have responded then. Why? Because of simple curiosity. After dealing with worn-out people, seeing you felt refreshing. There’s no grand reason.And yet, oddly enough, his lips hadn’t moved at the time. It was unlike him. His tongue, which always worked smoothly no matter the situation, felt paralyzed and wouldn’t budge.“…Stupid.”With his eyes closed, Sihoo muttered under his breath. The shadow cast by his long eyelashes grew darker. Even though it was the weekend, he felt as if his body and mind were worn out from working all morning.Exhaling a long breath, he stretched his legs out. As he lay back completely on the sofa, the soft sound of jazz music filled his ears. It came from a wall-mounted CD player.He hadn’t expected he’d ever use such a device. It was one of the gifts his younger sibling had given him for his birthday, but Sihoo, who had little interest in music, hadn’t even touched it.At the time, he’d thought it was an odd gift, but now, here he was.Still with his eyes closed, Sihoo focused on the music. The contrabass plucked out light yet deep notes with pizzicato technique. Amid the bouncy notes, the piano’s calm sound flowed steadily. Sometimes slow, sometimes fluent, the performance was enough to relax his taut nerves.Tap, tap.He tapped his fingers, which rested on his stomach. Moving in time with the beat, Sihoo let out a faint exhale.An evening growing darker on a weekend. Tapping his fingers to jazz music while alone—Sihoo hadn’t known he was someone capable of such a romantic moment.“…Not bad.”The piece was quite good. Naturally, his thoughts turned to the person who had gifted him the album containing this wonderful music. A boy with a face, attire, and even speech that were utterly proper.“If you find a piece you like while listening, let me know. I’ll play it for you.”Yoo Yejun had a way of making people feel slightly embarrassed. Yet, he himself seemed unbothered, maintaining a bright and innocent expression.As he lingered in thought, the slow tempo of the music gradually picked up. Sihoo pictured Yejun performing on the piano in his mind.As before, Yejun would be entirely absorbed in his playing. Regardless of whether someone beside him stared heatedly or exuded pheromones strong enough to feel overpowering.That image of him, lost in his world, was quite attractive. Watching Yejun play the piano often made Sihoo feel two conflicting urges: either to quietly observe his focused expression or to act impulsively and disrupt it.Opening his eyes, he glanced downward. His gaze fell between his legs. Just imagining Yejun had caused him to grow hard.The fleeting self-reproach passed quickly. Sihoo slid his hand into his pants.His grasped member was already slick. Moving his fingers along the vein-laden shaft, he soon heard wet, obscene sounds fill the room. Before long, he had propped himself up slightly, now fully immersed in self-pleasure.“Haa.”The moan that escaped from his flushed lips was sticky. With a smirk, he stroked his rigid erection up and down. What a ridiculous situation. Even while thinking it was unbecoming, Sihoo didn’t stop his hand.“…Kk.”Finally, with a brief moan, his hand was soaked. A flush spread across his pale, smooth cheek.Blinking slowly as if drowsy, he raised his hand, revealing the opaque white fluid in his view. He stared at it for a moment before turning his head.The object of his quiet yet heated gaze was none other than the phone resting on the low table. Silent, the phone made it clear there had been no messages or calls. His half-hidden eyes, obscured slightly by his disheveled black hair, narrowed.The desire bubbling up from his core left his throat parched. In his thirst, Sihoo ran his crimson tongue, as red as his lips, over his lower lip. A languid air surrounded his face as he licked. Soon, tension began to build in the fingers still coated with his release.Moments later, Sihoo picked up his phone, his demeanor returning to a calm indifference. His freshly washed hands now carried the scent of soap instead of the pungent smell of semen. Looking far too composed for someone who had just pleasured himself, Sihoo typed out a message.[Are you angry?]He added another brief remark.[I want to see your face.]As he had earlier that morning, Yejun responded quickly.Yoo Yejun [You want to see me?]

Yoo Yejun [You’re so selfish, hyung.]Was it his imagination, or did it feel like there was a curse word hidden behind those words? Sihoo moved his long fingers.[You’ve been on my mind, Yejun-ssi.]

[Could we meet?]For someone like Baek Sihoo, who never bowed his head first, whether he was right or wrong, this was a considerable concession. After a brief pause, the reply came.Yoo Yejun [Alright.]Sihoo felt thirst again, his throat burning with heat. He sent his next response, feeling a flush spread through his chest.[I’ll come to your place.]⟡ ݁₊ .Click, click.Sihoo held a silver Zippo lighter in his hand. Each flick of his finger produced a crisp sound from the rectangular lighter. His weary eyes reflected the flame, a mix of red and blue hues.‘…What am I even doing?’All this, just to appease someone after kissing their lips once.Sihoo slipped the lighter into his pocket and raised his gaze toward the officetel. The narrow, tidy space with its faint scent of soap came to mind naturally. He could almost see Yejun’s long legs as he bustled about, offering him water or handing him clothes.Since parting with Yejun, his thoughts had been entirely preoccupied with him. Whether it was guilt or mere lust driving him was unclear.What was certain was that Yoo Yejun had filled his chest completely. That was why he had been the one to suggest meeting, why he had come to Yejun’s door himself.Lost in quiet contemplation, Sihoo noticed someone approaching. As he turned his head, a gust of wind blew through, ruffling the hair on his forehead and stinging his eyes. Out of habit, he brushed his hair back as he moved to confirm who it was.“Are you keeping your hair up on purpose? Afraid you’ll look too young if you let it down?”The calm voice reached him first. Instead of answering, Sihoo lowered his gaze and studied Yejun’s face. Standing there alone, Yejun hadn’t even bothered with a light jacket, clearly intending to return inside immediately.“You must be cold.”“I’m fine. I’ll head back in soon.”Despite the hint of chill in Yejun’s tone, Sihoo remained unfazed.“…It’s kind of funny.”“What’s funny?”Yejun’s jaw tightened resolutely. His eyes, sharp with disbelief, stared straight at Sihoo. To him, those eyes seemed to say, “If you’re just going to spout nonsense, leave.”“When you were staring at me like you were in heat—what’s this now? Am I not turning you on anymore?”“…What did you just say?”“Heat.”“…?”“Don’t know what heat is? When your dick gets hard.”White breath escaped between Sihoo’s scathing words, drifting into the air like cigarette smoke and catching Yejun’s gaze.“I didn’t think of you that way, but… hyung, you’re quite vulgar.”He placed subtle emphasis on the word “vulgar,” a clear provocation. It was obvious he wanted to ruin the face of the man mocking him. Sihoo, however, had no intention of responding as desired.“Vulgar, sure. I’m someone who swaps spit with strangers on first meetings.”As he finished speaking, he blinked his tired eyelashes heavily, a faint smile gracing his lips. Yejun’s gaze lingered on the languidly drooping corners of his eyes. In the cold silence, their gazes clashed sharply, like steel meeting steel.“…Why did you come?”It was Yoo Yejun who broke the silence. He seemed to be trying to hide it, but the irritation in his tone was barely concealed, stirring a strange delight in Sihoo. He felt a thrill scratching at the back of his hand—coming here was worth it.“To give you an answer.”“An answer?”“You asked me, didn’t you? Why I came to see you if I was going to act like this.”‘Then why did you bother coming to see me, hyung?’The memory of those words resurfaced before shattering into countless pieces. Yejun seemed to recall it as well, letting out an indistinct sound somewhere between a sigh and an exclamation.His previously still cheeks twitched and turned faintly red. Whether it was from embarrassment or from recalling the incident and growing angry again, Sihoo couldn’t tell.Sihoo approached him until he stood at his feet, then extended a hand to grab the back of Yejun’s neck. Startled by the sudden gesture, Yejun stumbled forward, his face drawing closer. His wide, surprised eyes reflected a flicker of confusion. Meeting those oddly captivating eyes, Sihoo parted his crimson lips.“I’ll give you your answer.”As soon as he finished speaking, Sihoo pressed their lips together. He felt Yejun flinch and stiffen like a rock.Narrowing his eyes slightly, Sihoo continued to rub their lips together, slowly and deliberately. With each movement, Yejun’s lips grew wetter.“Haa…”A stifled breath escaped, suppressed but audible, brushing against Sihoo’s ears. Enjoying the faint tremor in the sound, he persistently teased Yejun’s lips, almost driving his tongue into his mouth when Yejun’s hands gripped his shoulders firmly.“What… do you think you’re doing?”Even as the distance between them remained close, Yejun murmured lowly. His eyes searched Sihoo’s face, as if trying to decipher the reason for the sudden kiss. Sihoo met the probing gaze calmly, lifting one corner of his lips into a crooked smile.“I told you, didn’t I? I came to show you why I wanted to see you.”Yejun pressed his lips tightly together at those words, his throat bobbing unsteadily as he failed to regulate his breathing.“I’m attracted to you.”Sihoo lowered the hand that had been holding Yejun’s neck and tucked it into his pocket. His fingers found the lighter inside, and he idly rolled it between them as he spoke slowly.“You turn me on, Yoo Yejun.”Having said that, Sihoo’s gaze swept over Yejun intently, moving from his neck to his shoulders, then downward to his chest. His eyes carried an unmistakable hunger.Even through the shirt, Yejun’s well-defined chest was noticeable. Sihoo lowered his gaze further, imagining the firm cleavage beneath.His half-lidded eyes, partially obscured by long lashes, finally settled on Yejun’s pants—specifically, the area covered by the denim.“Ha, haha.”Yejun let out a dry laugh. Sihoo raised his eyes again, locking onto Yejun’s face. The dimples near his upturned lips were strikingly charming.As Sihoo admired them, Yejun placed a large hand on his back, pulling him into a position unmistakably intimate, like lovers embracing. Unbothered by the suggestive pose, Yejun lowered his head.Watching silently, unsure of Yejun’s intentions, Sihoo unintentionally let out a sound.“Ugh.”Without warning, Yejun bit down on his earlobe. It didn’t hurt, but the sensitivity of the spot sent a shiver down his spine. Frowning slightly at the one-sided action, he heard a soft voice whisper into his ear.“I’m a little annoyed.”The sigh laced with his words carried a mix of emotions.“Annoyed, even?”“Yes. It irritates me how unaffected you seem, hyung.”