Love Born of Pity Chapter 4

Pulled forward suddenly, a moan escaped Kwon Jiho’s lips. The gentle kiss turned rough, almost devouring. His hands, finding no purchase, grasped the hem of Do Yeonjae’s clothes. He was lifted from the seat beside him and settled onto Do Yeonjae’s lap.

“Hng…”

Do Yeonjae’s thick tongue easily reached deep into Kwon Jiho’s throat, exploring the small space, brushing against his back molars before withdrawing. Kwon Jiho’s face flushed. Do Yeonjae mercifully allowed him a breath, knowing Kwon Jiho struggled to breathe properly when they kissed. Kwon Jiho eagerly inhaled the offered air.

Their lips remained locked until Do Yeonjae’s mood had eased somewhat. Each nibble on his lower lip elicited a soft moan from Kwon Jiho. His fidgeting fingers tugged at Do Yeonjae’s clothes.

After pressing his lips repeatedly against the swollen, red flesh, Do Yeonjae pulled away, observing Kwon Jiho’s flushed face. His eyelids, which had been closed throughout, slowly lifted, revealing hazy pupils.

“…Director.”

“…”

“Director.”

Do Yeonjae pulled Kwon Jiho’s body close, hugging him tightly as he whimpered and nestled against him. He gently stroked Kwon Jiho’s slender back. He pressed his lips against the soft skin of his neck, which seemed untouched by the summer heat, devoid even of the scent of sweat.

“…Have you eaten?”

Do Yeonjae chuckled, almost exasperated, at the mumbled question against his shoulder.

“I was waiting to eat with you, Mr. Kwon Jiho.”

“I’m… hungry too.”

“I figured.” Do Yeonjae murmured softly. It was well past nine o’clock. He couldn’t understand why Kwon Jiho had stayed at the academy until this hour, not even answering his calls. He could only guess that Kwon Jiho, despite his gentle appearance, was overthinking and worrying, likely about the upcoming marriage. Even so, he wasn’t going to tolerate this behavior for much longer.

“Know when to stop acting cute. Don’t get cocky.”

Do Yeonjae’s voice was cool as he trailed his lips down Kwon Jiho’s fragrant neck.

♬⋆.˚

The tension persisted even after they arrived home. Do Yeonjae, of course, showed no sign of it; only Kwon Jiho seemed restless. The dining table was laden with a prepared meal. Kwon Jiho examined each dish, likely prepared for his arrival. He selected the ones that needed reheating and glanced at Do Yeonjae, who was loosening his tie.

“Why?”

“You’re going to eat now, right…?”

“Of course.”

“I just need to heat a few things up. It’ll be quick.”

Do Yeonjae didn’t reply but simply moved. After changing clothes in the dressing room and washing up, he saw Kwon Jiho bustling around. He was busy stir-frying bulgogi in a pan and checking the simmering stew.

Kwon Jiho’s head darted around before he picked up a glass, seemingly prepared in advance. His serious expression suggested he was about to pour water into it. Do Yeonjae watched his contemplative side profile, gauging the amount of water, and quickly intervened just as Kwon Jiho was about to resolutely tip the glass into the stew.

“It’ll get watery if you pour all of that in.”

“…Oh.”

“I don’t understand why you always ruin food that just needs to be reheated.”

Do Yeonjae chuckled as if amused by Kwon Jiho’s actions and pulled him away from the induction cooktop. Kwon Jiho stood there, cheeks flushed, watching as Do Yeonjae expertly stir-fried the meat and turned off the heat under the stew.

“You don’t even eat it because you think it tastes bad, Mr. Kwon Jiho.”

“But I thought it would be too salty for your taste, Director.”

Even though it didn’t suit his own palate, Kwon Jiho had assumed Do Yeonjae disliked salty food since he always ate it. He ignored Kwon Jiho’s questioning look, which implied, “Didn’t you always eat bland food?” and gestured with his chin.

“Sit.”

“Should I bring it over?”

“Just sit.”

Aside from playing musical instruments, Kwon Jiho’s hands rarely accomplished anything practical with dexterity. Do Yeonjae scoffed, amused and exasperated, wondering if Kwon Jiho would spill something if given a task. The thought of Kwon Jiho getting hurt while fumbling around irritated him more than the idea of wasted food.

“Don’t make me tell you again. Sit down.”

At the scolding tone, Kwon Jiho quickly sat down and waited. The late dinner, which resembled a spread from a Korean restaurant, proceeded in silence. Apart from the occasional clinking of Kwon Jiho’s chopsticks against the dishes, only stillness filled the air. They weren’t usually talkative during meals, but tonight’s unusual quietness was noticeable.

Noticing Kwon Jiho constantly glancing at him, Do Yeonjae stared back several times during the meal. Each time, Kwon Jiho would hurriedly swallow his food, sometimes choking. Exasperated, Do Yeonjae put down his spoon with a clatter.

“Stop.”

“…Yes?”

“Stop eating. You’ll get indigestion if you eat any more.”

He insisted that Kwon Jiho finish, even though he had barely touched half his food. Kwon Jiho quietly put down his chopsticks.

“Tell me.”

“What…”

“You’ve been completely out of it.”

Kwon Jiho swallowed hard and reached for his water glass, but quickly withdrew his hand, noticing the tremor. Do Yeonjae licked his own lips, as if feeling parched by Kwon Jiho’s wavering gaze and the way he sucked on his lower lip.

“My brother…”

“Your brother?”

“I feel like… I’m holding him back… because of my selfishness.”

Do Yeonjae’s furrowed brow relaxed at Kwon Jiho’s pathetic words. He guessed that Kwon Jiho had been visited by the recurring nightmares that plagued him, even during the short nap he’d taken.

“Did you have another bad dream?”

Kwon Jiho nodded hesitantly, not having considered the specifics, and Do Yeonjae hummed in response. He often pitied Kwon Jiho for his nightmares, knowing their content. The suspicion in his eyes faded.

Kwon Jiho, who had been worried about being accused of lying, relaxed his tense back.

“That’s why. It’s just… nothing. It’s not something you need to worry about. Really.”

“If you don’t like the medical team or the hospital, just tell me. It’s easy to change them.”

“…Okay.”

Everything was easy for Do Yeonjae. Was it because money could solve everything? Do Yeonjae, unlike him, was very wealthy. For Kwon Jiho, without money, everything related to it was difficult, a big deal. He smiled awkwardly, then realized he had forgotten to thank Do Yeonjae and bowed his head slightly.

“Thank you. If you’re finished, I’ll clear the table.”

“Just leave it and go wash up. That would be more productive.”

“…I just want to tidy up… It’s messy to leave it on the table.”

Do Yeonjae glanced indifferently at the table. Clearing up immediately would require live-in help, but he didn’t want anyone else in the house when Kwon Jiho was with him. He could tolerate the mess, but the thought of another person in his line of sight was unpleasant. Yet, he also disliked seeing Kwon Jiho fussing over cleaning.

“Director…?”

Kwon Jiho watched him cautiously, wondering why he looked so serious about clearing the dinner table. He quietly moved towards Do Yeonjae and gently tugged his hand.

“Do you want to wash up first…? I’ll be quick.”

“…”

“I just want to put these in the sink. It doesn’t look good… and I won’t break any dishes now. Really.”

Do Yeonjae laughed at the assurance that he wouldn’t break anything. It wasn’t a laugh of amusement, but rather one of disbelief. As Kwon Jiho shifted, thinking he had permission to clean, his wrist was suddenly caught.

“Why bother when it’ll be taken care of tomorrow?”

Do Yeonjae pulled the startled Kwon Jiho into the bedroom. As if sensing his intentions, Kwon Jiho whimpered that he wanted to wash up, but Do Yeonjae ignored him and turned on all the lights in the room.

Just standing under the bright lights with a frown was enough to arouse him. Slender, white fingers covered Kwon Jiho’s face. He was always amazed that those small hands could cover his entire face.

“Come here.”

Flushing crimson with embarrassment, Kwon Jiho’s body, accustomed to Do Yeonjae, moved towards his voice. He trembled and pulled back slightly as Do Yeonjae’s hand slipped between his clothes, a sharp glint appearing in Do Yeonjae’s eyes. Kwon Jiho bit his lip, thinking of the cherry blossom-like man who had visited him.

“Why are you like this, Mr. Kwon Jiho?”

“…”

“What do you gain from acting like such a prick? Or are you doing this on purpose? Would you prefer rape over sex tonight?”

“That’s, that’s not… it.”