Spark Chapter 6.2 - Dissolution

“This is heaven.”

“…….”

Only then did Cha Hongjo open his eyes properly.

The place Go Baekwoo led him to was an endless field of flowers. Unlike the underground where he had lived until now, it was filled with colorful blossoms instead of shadows, and glittered with gold dust-like sunlight. Amidst the vibrant scenery, Go Baekwoo was by far the most dazzling.

“Don’t leave. Let’s stay together like this, Hongjo.”

The hand that had always been cold, no matter how many times he held it alone, warmed up like it was being heated by fire when connected with Go Baekwoo’s.

“Let’s live, loving each other……”

Only then did Cha Hongjo open his eyes.

It had been ten days.

Both in his dreams and in reality, the first person Cha Hongjo saw was Go Baekwoo.

As soon as he was captured in Go Baekwoo’s brown eyes, Cha Hongjo realized that he had returned to reality, that he was alive. And also…….

“……My…… pretty one…….”

He cupped Go Baekwoo’s cheeks, who was just staring at him with a noticeably thinner face.

While he was briefly gone, Go Baekwoo had also withered.

“Your face is fucked up……”

However.

“……Cha Hongjo…….”

As soon as he touched him, Go Baekwoo regained his vitality.

“Did you sleep well……?”

Only then did it truly hit him. I have to take care of Go Baekwoo. For the rest of his life.

“Uh…….”

Cha Hongjo replied with the same sad smile Go Baekwoo was wearing.

“I slept…… soundly.”

My flower.

He had to live, because he couldn’t let it wither.

The awakened Cha Hongjo decided to grab onto the lifeline of life once more. As he gazed into Go Baekwoo’s eyes, the resolution etched itself onto his heart.

Let’s live and not abandon the love we painstakingly cultivated.

🔥

Cha Hongjo offered no excuses and asked no questions about how he had stepped into the swamp. He simply quietly regained his vitality, returning to his original temperature and color. Go Baekwoo was always by his side, and Park Solchan and Lee Heejin were there too.

Those who gathered around the revived flame also did not demand any explanations or impose any actions on Cha Hongjo. They merely basked in the gently shining light, exchanging warm smiles.

Before his discharge, the attending physician recommended psychological therapy to Cha Hongjo. Cha Hongjo neither agreed nor refused. He simply stared at Go Baekwoo, who was listening to the doctor with a worried expression.

Finally, his hospital stay was over.

After Cha Hongjo emerged from the tunnel, <Entertainment News> reported his discharge without missing a beat.

— Actor Cha Hongjo was discharged from the hospital this afternoon. Mr. Cha Hongjo was found unconscious in a Seoul hotel on April XXth due to an unfortunate accident and remained in a coma for ten days. Many viewers were worried until three days ago, when news broke that Mr. Cha was recovering and would soon be discharged. Mr. Cha’s side has not yet released any statement regarding this matter. Mr. Cha’s fans waited here at the hospital entrance for him to appear…….

Cha Hongjo saw countless people at the hospital entrance, shedding tears, smiling, and waving to welcome him. His dark eyes, reflected in the car window, trembled slightly.

“…….”

He slowly looked away from them and placed his hand on Go Baekwoo’s thigh, who was driving. Go Baekwoo covered the back of his hand. His heart, which had been pounding wildly at the crowd pouring their emotions onto him, gradually calmed down. Yes. It was okay, as long as he had this hand, as long as he had Go Baekwoo.

🔥

He entered the house, which reflected a monotonous daily life unless there was filming. The house remained unchanged. Cha Hongjo undressed with an ordinary expression as if he had just returned from a morning outing, and headed to the bathroom. Go Baekwoo followed him in.

“Let’s wash up together.”

There was no reason to refuse. Instead of answering, Cha Hongjo took a couple of steps back to make room. Go Baekwoo, who had intertwined their arms and quickly taken off his t-shirt, stood naked beside him.

“…….”

Cha Hongjo scanned Go Baekwoo’s slimmer silhouette and secretly swallowed a rising sigh. Go Baekwoo also frowned as he looked at Cha Hongjo’s thin body, a result of lying down and receiving IV fluids for over ten days. They were so worried about each other that there was no room for a sexual atmosphere.

The two men took turns splashing water on their naked bodies. Then, Go Baekwoo said, “I’ll wash your hair,” and poured shampoo into his palm.

“Bend your head.”

“I’m not a child. Let’s do it ourselves.”

Cha Hongjo was about to obediently lower his head, but then decided there was no reason to be waited on when he wasn’t a critical patient and had perfectly functioning limbs, so he deliberately spoke coldly and squeezed shampoo onto his own hand.

“Hey, wash it well, thoroughly.”

“You too.”

Paradoxically, Cha Hongjo’s prickly attitude softened the air around them. Go Baekwoo slightly lifted the corners of his lips and rubbed his hair with his lathered hand. Cha Hongjo also washed his own hair. Facing each other. Even if the shampoo ran down and stung their eyes, they wouldn’t look away. As if they were afraid the other might be washed away by the water. That’s how much they cherished each other. Even though they were facing each other, they yearned for each other. Especially Go Baekwoo, who couldn’t take his eyes off Cha Hongjo, the image of him lying in the hotel bathtub, covered in blood, overlapping with the Cha Hongjo before him now. Now Cha Hongjo was fine, but the bruise on Go Baekwoo’s chest was still dark.

How must the person involved feel, when he himself felt like this? Go Baekwoo thought that Cha Hongjo, who was acting no differently than before the tragedy, was pretending to be okay. He couldn’t bring himself to ask if he was alright. He didn’t want to make Cha Hongjo lie. Sometimes, silence was the most appropriate comfort.

The sound of water that had filled the bathroom stopped, and the cleanly washed men dried themselves and changed into comfortable clothes. Since the weather was neither hot nor cold but pleasantly cool, they didn’t dry their hair and went out to the living room, opening all the windows to let in the breeze. It was cool and peaceful.

It felt like the first tranquility he had ever experienced. Cha Hongjo, sprawled on the sofa, savored the auspicious silence and picked up his cigarette pack. The doctor had told him to avoid alcohol and smoking as much as possible. He felt Go Baekwoo’s gaze on his skin. But he ignored it and took out two long cigarettes, putting them between his lips. He lit them one by one and offered one to Go Baekwoo.

“Take it.”

“…….”

Go Baekwoo hesitated for a moment, but then lowered his head and slightly parted his lips. Cha Hongjo placed the filter between the red lips.

Go Baekwoo, inhaling the smoke, felt a sudden dizziness, and realized that he hadn’t smoked a single cigarette while Cha Hongjo was in a coma.

“I’m dizzy…….”

Go Baekwoo muttered, burying himself in the sofa. Cha Hongjo turned his face towards him and chuckled. Go Baekwoo met his gaze.

“Why are you laughing?”

“Why is it funny?”

Cha Hongjo exhaled a long stream of smoke, then rested his head on Go Baekwoo’s shoulder and murmured.

“Because you’re pretty.”

“……Pretty?”

“Fucking pretty.”

Go Baekwoo felt strangely embarrassed by the word “pretty” coming from Cha Hongjo.

“You said my face was fucked up.”

“Don’t cry.”

Cha Hongjo lifted his head from Go Baekwoo’s shoulder, averted his gaze, and said,

“That’s what I meant. Your eyes were black and blue…… Don’t cry……. Ah.”

Before he could finish his sentence, Cha Hongjo was lying down because of Go Baekwoo, who suddenly pounced on him. That didn’t matter, but his cigarette almost burned a mark on Go Baekwoo’s arm.

“Fuck, you scared me……”

Cha Hongjo quickly pulled his arm out from under Go Baekwoo’s, who had trapped him, and put the cigarette out in the ashtray. Then Go Baekwoo gently turned Cha Hongjo’s cheek to face him. Immediately, lips landed on lips. A gentle breeze blew behind Go Baekwoo. Golden sunlight enveloped him.

“…….”

Buried in Go Baekwoo’s shadow, Cha Hongjo parted his lips slightly and forgot all his thoughts in that moment.

“Hongjo,”

Go Baekwoo, shining like he was gilded, said,

“Shall we go on a trip? We couldn’t go last time. Let’s go this time.”

There was no way to refuse, no reason to refuse. Cha Hongjo tightly gripped Go Baekwoo’s arm, then stroked down to his wrist and slowly replied,

“……Yeah. Let’s go.”

🔥

The horizon stretched out blue. The clear sky and the sea seemed to connect. The shore where the gentle waves left foam was made of round pebbles instead of sand.

It was a pebble beach in the South Sea. Go Baekwoo and Cha Hongjo got a room by the beach, tossed aside their lightly packed bags, grabbed a can of beer each, and went outside. The unobstructed wind ruffled their differently colored hair. Go Baekwoo, brushing aside his bangs that were blocking his view, plopped down on a wide, flat rock that resembled a chair. Cha Hongjo sat down next to him.

Gulp, gulp, gulp. Only the sound of them refreshing themselves with beer filled the air, the two men otherwise silent and not exchanging a word. They simply stared endlessly at the waves that washed over and retreated from the smooth, round pebbles, and at the horizon meeting the sky. They seemed to be soothing their tired minds and bodies after experiencing a tsunami, or perhaps savoring the lingering aftertaste of a movie.

In any case, it was all over.

After taking a sip of beer, Cha Hongjo suddenly looked at his wrist as he lowered the bottle to his thigh. His right wrist was clean, but……. His gaze shifted to the other wrist. There was a long mark on his left wrist. The doctor had said the scar would fade but never disappear. That was okay. Because it was in the past. It had scarred, but it no longer hurt.

“……Baekwoo,”

Cha Hongjo began, placing the empty beer bottle at his feet.

“Yeah.”

Go Baekwoo, who was staring at the sea along with Cha Hongjo, replied.

“Back then, you called me and…… Mom.”

“……Yeah.”

“Why did you call us?”

Cha Hongjo asked the question he hadn’t been able to ask back then. It was all over, but to completely forget…….

“You don’t need to know.”

But Go Baekwoo refused to answer. The refusal became a sufficient answer in itself.

“Okay.”

Cha Hongjo replied blandly, brushing back the hair that tickled his temple. Then Go Baekwoo said,

“I’m sorry.”

Short words, instantly contorting Cha Hongjo’s face. Cha Hongjo turned his gaze from the sea to Go Baekwoo.

“For what?”

“Just, everything…….”

“Did you cheat on me or something?”

“……Ha, what?”

At the absurd guess, Go Baekwoo let out a hollow laugh and met Cha Hongjo’s eyes. Cha Hongjo brushed aside the hair slightly covering Go Baekwoo’s eyes and murmured,

“Don’t apologize unless you met another lover.”

“If I met another lover.”

“What the fuck, are you serious…….”

Contrary to his words, Cha Hongjo’s face remained expressionless as he pulled a crumpled cigarette pack from his back pocket.

“It’ll be in the news the next day. ‘Cha Hongjo murders agency CEO, Mr. Go’.”

“Haha.”

It was an extreme imagination. Go Baekwoo laughed emptily.

“It would be nice to die by your hand.”

“Pretty boy, are you crazy?”

Cha Hongjo muttered, handing Go Baekwoo one of the cigarettes he had taken out.

“Crazy for you.”

Go Baekwoo, receiving the long cigarette, answered as if it were obvious and put the filter between his lips. At the same time, Cha Hongjo, who had also put a cigarette in his mouth, cupped his chin with his palm and tilted his head towards Go Baekwoo. Go Baekwoo also lowered his face towards him. The tips of the two cigarettes touched, and a flame bloomed.

“Phew…… Anyway,”

Cha Hongjo straightened his tilted head and blew out the words along with the smoke.

“You got that, right? What I said.”

“You mean don’t apologize?”

“Yeah.”

“Then you.”

“Me, what.”

“You too…….”

Go Baekwoo inhaled a puff of smoke and exhaled before continuing,

“Don’t apologize. And don’t meet another lover either.”

Since Cha Hongjo wasn’t the type to apologize to anyone, the words Go Baekwoo truly wanted a promise for came after.

“Yeah.”

Cha Hongjo, immediately understanding Go Baekwoo’s intentions, answered promptly.

“I will.”

“……Really?”

When Go Baekwoo asked again, a look of annoyance flashed across Cha Hongjo’s eyes.

“If you don’t believe me, fucking get a stamp or something.”

“What kind of stamp?”

“…….”

After a moment of silence, Cha Hongjo held out his thumb.

“A thumbprint.”

“…….”

It was a childish act, but Go Baekwoo found it amusing and delightful, so he smiled brightly and pressed his thumb against Cha Hongjo’s. Then Cha Hongjo pecked Go Baekwoo on the lips.

“This is a lip print.”

And again.

“Should we stamp a document too?”

“What document?”

“A marriage registration form.”

Cha Hongjo smiled more brilliantly than the emerald ocean. Go Baekwoo also smiled more radiantly than the sunlight scattered on the sea.

“Is that a proposal?”

“You could say that.”

“……It feels…….”

Go Baekwoo murmured, rubbing his pink cheeks with the back of his hand.

“……Pretty.”

He wanted to give an answer as wonderful as Cha Hongjo’s, but that was the only expression that came to mind.

“It feels pretty?”

“……Yeah.”

“Me too.”

Cha Hongjo said simply, taking Go Baekwoo’s hand that was hovering over his cheek and interlocking their fingers.

“When I’m with Go Baekwoo……”

‘Here, where you and I are holding hands.’

“It feels pretty.”

‘This is heaven.’

Just then, Go Baekwoo suddenly stood up and pulled Cha Hongjo along. Go Baekwoo ran. Cha Hongjo was pulled along.

The round pebbles under their feet made a clattering sound as they shifted position.

Go Baekwoo and Cha Hongjo’s feet met the incoming tide. Go Baekwoo continued forward without hesitation. His pants got wet, his calves got wet, and soon his thighs were submerged. Cha Hongjo was the same.

The seawater was cold, and the hands they held were warm.

Go Baekwoo and Cha Hongjo no longer looked at the horizon but faced each other. They didn’t need to look far ahead anymore. Today and the future were right before their eyes.

Go Baekwoo, cupping Cha Hongjo’s cheeks with his palms, lowered his head. Cha Hongjo slightly raised his chin. They greeted today and the future with a kiss instead of words.

Hello, please take care of us.

Thank you.

They divided their hearts in two and gave them to each other.

I love you.

Like the ocean that never reveals its bottom, their hearts filled with completely intertwined love. They were immersed in a time of ecstasy, up to the tips of their hair.

The sun set over the heads of the two men, their noses touching. As the sun went down, the blue sea took on a reddish hue, and the shimmering surface became doubly brilliant. The new world they had entered, following their lover, was beautiful. Even as the sun set, it was a world where colorful hues and a cozy warmth lingered.

“Hongjo,”

Go Baekwoo, who opened his eyes first, called out as he gently stroked Cha Hongjo’s face from forehead to chin with his fingers. Cha Hongjo opened his eyelids.

In the other’s eyes, he saw the sunset and himself, alive and breathing. It was fantastical, yet it was a reality that couldn’t be created by deception. Emotion surged in like a wave.

“I, right now…….”

Go Baekwoo choked up, his Adam’s apple bobbing greatly, and spoke in a lower voice than before.

“I’ve fallen for you again.”

At the moment of confession, the sunset hues painted Cha Hongjo’s eyes. His love-filled gaze softened.

“That won’t do.”

However, Cha Hongjo didn’t cry, but laughed.

“You have to fall for me every time you see me.”

Cha Hongjo murmured, brushing his lips against the corner of Go Baekwoo’s mouth. Facing each other again, Cha Hongjo wore an expression Go Baekwoo had never seen before.

“Just like how I think you’re beautiful every time I see you.”

……His face was so shy, his eyes brimming with tears, that he didn’t know what to do with himself. Not only his eyes, but also his cheeks and the tips of his ears were flushed. It definitely wasn’t because of the sunset.

“Go Baekwoo,”

Cha Hongjo said, with a face and voice like a boy experiencing his first love for the first time.

“I love you.”

He uttered the words Go Baekwoo had longed and yearned to hear.

“My first love.”

It wasn’t ‘I loved you for the first time’, but ‘I love you for the first time’.

“……This is fucking embarrassing.”

And then the shy boy disappeared, leaving only the Cha Hongjo Go Baekwoo knew.

“How can you, always say things like that so easily?”

“I couldn’t do it originally either,”

Go Baekwoo murmured, fidgeting.

“You’ll keep doing it too.”

“Like hell, I won’t do it again.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

Cha Hongjo replied curtly. Go Baekwoo grinned mischievously and nuzzled his cheek against Cha Hongjo’s shoulder as if acting cute.

“Tell me you love me.”

“Ha…… Fuck.”

Cha Hongjo cursed and wrapped his arms around Go Baekwoo’s back.

“I fucking love you,”

He muttered as if he had no choice. Go Baekwoo lifted his head, stretching his lips into a wider smile.

“How much is ‘fucking’?”

Cha Hongjo deliberately hardened his expression. But Go Baekwoo asked again.

“Tell me how much you love me.”

“……Ah, that, what is it.”

And Cha Hongjo, once again,

“As much as the sky and the earth……”

Turned back into a shy boy.

“As much as this seawater……”

“…….”

“Even if it were your cum, I could drink it all.”

And then he became Cha Hongjo again.

Go Baekwoo liked both. He liked everything. He liked it so much that, just as Cha Hongjo had said, he was so happy he could drink all of this seawater, even if it were something else entirely.

“Can you really do that?”

“I don’t know.”

“Then……”

Just like when they ran into the sea, Go Baekwoo pulled Cha Hongjo’s hand.

“Let’s test it out.”

They moved their feet onto the land.

“I’ll cum as much as the seawater.”

“What if I die from a burst stomach?”

Cha Hongjo followed him.

“Even if you die, I’ll hold you and live, so don’t worry.”

“Our Baekwoo is really…… good with his mouth.”

“I’ll service you with my good mouth.”

“Good.”

“Then you drink mine.”

“Forget it. Let’s get out of here first.”

“Why, are you in a hurry?”

“Fucking much.”

“Shall we run?”

“Yeah.”

Their pace quickened.

The two men ran with the night sky-covered coast at their backs. No one running away, no one chasing. They ran, hand in hand.

🔥

Director Choi Yitae couldn’t stay still and kept fidgeting. His palms, damp with cold sweat, kept clenching and unclenching involuntarily as if they were malfunctioning.

It was the day of the premiere of <A Thousand Flowers in Full Bloom>.

Since his discharge, Cha Hongjo hadn’t appeared in any media, whether it was radio, television, magazines, or newspapers. The premiere of <A Thousand Flowers in Full Bloom> was the first time Cha Hongjo was showing his face since the ‘incident’.

<A Thousand Flowers in Full Bloom> received investment from the ‘Daehan Ilbo’ during filming, but it had initially gained attention as a low-budget independent film starring Cha Hongjo. Furthermore, it became a hot topic again because the lead actor was involved in an unfortunate situation on the day filming ended, leading to various rumors.

So it was an important day for both Choi Yitae and Cha Hongjo.

He tried to relax, but it wasn’t easy. Choi Yitae kept shifting his weight from one foot to the other and checking his watch. There were thirty minutes left until the premiere began. But Cha Hongjo hadn’t arrived at the venue yet. He couldn’t help but worry.

The day the ‘incident’ occurred, Choi Yitae rushed to the hospital but was refused visitation. Even after revealing his identity, the hospital repeatedly informed him, ‘The guardian has not given permission.’ Afterward, he contacted the agency to inquire about Cha Hongjo’s well-being and only received the repeated response, ‘Mr. Cha Hongjo is recovering. We will contact you when the release date of <A Thousand Flowers in Full Bloom> approaches.’

He’ll be alright. He will be fine. Today…… He’ll come, looking healthy.

Choi Yitae kept repeating this to himself, for himself, for the film, and for Cha Hongjo. His anxiety grew as the minute hand moved.

Finally, with only ten minutes left until the premiere.

“Hello,”

A voice was heard as the door burst open.

“Director Choi.”

At that moment, Choi Yitae felt a shiver down his spine.

“Hong, jo…….”

His gaze was fixed on Cha Hongjo, who didn’t look like someone who had caused ‘such an incident’.

“……Ye, yes. Mr. Hongjo…… How are you, how’s your health……?”

Choi Yitae muttered, staring at Cha Hongjo, unsure of what he was saying.

“Well, I’m,”

Cha Hongjo, wearing a black silk shirt that softly reflected the light, his hair, the same color as the shirt, naturally falling down, smiled gently.

“Fine.”

“…….”

Perhaps it was because he had been close to heaven and returned. Choi Yitae couldn’t take his eyes off Cha Hongjo. A brilliant light emanated from him. Anyone who encountered Cha Hongjo now would fall for him.

“Director, you don’t look so well?”

“……Haha……”

The anxiety and tension that had numbed his whole body completely evaporated, and Choi Yitae dared to be certain.

Cha Hongjo was truly, alright.

“……Well, I’m always gloomy.”

The man before him was different from ‘Man’.

“I’m late, we’re out of time.”

Cha Hongjo said, pointing at his wristwatch.

“Shall we go?”

The premiere hall was packed with audience members and reporters.

Cha Hongjo, the center of their attention, continued the interview as if nothing had happened.

Since reporters had been notified in advance that questions about ‘that day’ were prohibited, the ‘Cha Hongjo incident’ wasn’t mentioned at all during the interview. However.

“……And,”

Just before the interview ended, Cha Hongjo switched the microphone to his other hand and said,

“I heard that many people were worried about me.”

Cha Hongjo’s gaze was directed towards Go Baekwoo, who was sitting in the center of the front row of the audience.

“Please put your worries aside and enjoy the film.”

It wasn’t an apology for causing concern, nor was it an expression of gratitude, but applause and cheers erupted instantly. Then someone shouted, “Hongjo oppa, I love you!” The laughter that erupted here and there strangely lifted the somber atmosphere.

Before the movie started, director Choi Yitae took the microphone one last time. He expressed his sincere gratitude to many people, including the filming staff.

“……Lastly. Mr. Hongjo,”

He turned towards Cha Hongjo and said,

“Thank you for becoming ‘Man’.”

Cha Hongjo, too, shifted his gaze from Go Baekwoo to Choi Yitae.

“Thank you for living as ‘Man’. And……”

Choi Yitae cleared his throat, as if choked up, and delivered his final words.

“Thank you for remaining ‘Cha Hongjo’.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Choi Yitae looked away from Cha Hongjo and turned to the audience. However, Cha Hongjo continued to stare at the director for a little longer.

Director Choi Yitae bowed to the audience.

“Then, after you have watched <A Thousand Flowers in Full Bloom>, I will greet you again.”

The lights, which had been shining down like the sun, went out, and the projector started rolling.

Cha Hongjo, who came down from the stage, sat next to Go Baekwoo. Hidden in the darkness, he held his lover’s hand. Savoring the warmth being transmitted……. He watched ‘Man’, not himself.

🔥

It was likely his last visit, though he couldn’t be sure. Go Baekwoo observed the mansion, which felt like a stranger’s house despite having lived there for several months, with a sense of unfamiliarity.

Someone must have seen the car stopping in front of the house, as the entrance to the parking lot opened automatically.

Decades ago, his and his mother’s lives had completely changed due to his father’s sudden absence, but the mansion his father had left remained intact. Of course, would it even be noticeable if one person came and went from a house that was already desolate?

It was around eight in the evening. Unless something unexpected happened, it was around the time his father would be getting off work, and as expected, his father’s car was in the garage.

Since Cha Hongjo had been ill, he hadn’t been going to the company, so the CEO position must have been vacant. He had told his father, ‘I’ll be leaving the house too. Please take care of my things……’, so the room he used must have been cleaned up after he left.

Despite this, the reason he bothered to visit this house was to show respect one last time. Even though the dreamlike reunion and the affluent life he had built with his father’s help had come to a devastating end.

Who could he blame? When he considered it carefully, the shattered ending was his own fault.

‘I, unlike you, Father…… I don’t want to be a fool who can’t protect the person he loves.’

After a few days had passed.

‘What kind of love is it to discard someone casually, as you please, and then try to have them back when you miss them?’

He regretted speaking to his father that way. Words once spoken couldn’t be taken back, and it wasn’t as if they were completely untrue, so there was no room for excuses. But at that time, he hadn’t been in his right mind, so he just blurted out whatever came to mind.

Even if he was cutting ties, he should apologize. That was why he wanted to see his father today. He had to ask for forgiveness. Although it was uncertain whether his father would accept it. No, he expected his father wouldn’t forgive him.

He could be content with having regained his lost father, even if only for a short while.

‘I only need Cha Hongjo.’

Those words were entirely true.

As a son, it was difficult to imagine how his father must have felt. The father who sought out the son he could have lived without forever. He couldn’t even begin to imagine, but the sense of betrayal must be considerable. Indeed, his father had high expectations for his only son.

Feeling suffocated by his shirt, which suddenly felt tight around his neck, he undid another button and rang the doorbell. The garage opened automatically, but the front door did not. It meant he was no longer someone who could freely come and go. He was no longer a member of the Go family, but a guest who needed permission.

Finally, the front door opened, and the housekeeper came out. She must have known roughly about the awkward family matters of the Go family, but she greeted Go Baekwoo warmly. However, that was all, she didn’t ask or add anything. Indeed, she had worked in Chairman Go Daeil’s house for a long time.

“Where’s Father?”

Go Baekwoo asked the housekeeper as they walked down the hallway.

“He had dinner and is in his study now. I told him you were here, so you can go right in.”

“Yes, thank you.”

Go Baekwoo bowed his head to the middle-aged woman, whom he would also be seeing for the last time, and walked towards the study without hesitation.

As he approached the study, a pungent smell grew stronger. It was the scent of cigars. It was one of his father’s unique pastimes, something he indulged in with alcohol when he wasn’t in a good mood.

Knock, knock. Go Baekwoo lightly knocked on the already open door. His father, who must have sensed his presence already, slowly raised his head from where it had been fixed on his desk. As expected, a cigar was held between his thick, long fingers.

“You’re here.”

“Yes.”

The greeting was brief.

Since the conversation wasn’t likely to be long, Go Baekwoo didn’t bother to sit down and spoke, standing a certain distance from his father.

“I came to say goodbye.”

“What goodbye?”

It was an unexpected reaction. Chairman Go replied as if it was a strange thing to say. Go Baekwoo hesitated for a moment, then regained his composure.

“I told you I was leaving this house.”

“Then you can just leave. Why the sudden goodbye?”

His father’s tone was curt.

It wasn’t like his father, who often maintained an unshakeable demeanor, as if he had coated himself inside and out with cement. Go Baekwoo was taken aback for the second time. But not enough to forget what he was going to say.

“I’m sorry…… I came to apologize.”

“What are you sorry for?”

“I shouldn’t have spoken to you like that last time, Father.”

“……Do you regret it?”

“Yes, that’s why I want to apologize.”

“There’s no need.”

Go Daeil looked away from his son and back at his desk.

“Father,”

“I said there’s no need to apologize.”

“You have every right to be angry……”

“I’m not angry. Just……”

Sigh. Chairman Go let out a deep sigh and put out his cigar. He didn’t speak again until a long while later.

“What I want to tell you is, don’t regret it.”

“…….”

Go Baekwoo looked down at his father’s head, sparsely covered with white hair.

“Baekwoo,”

Finally, his father met his gaze again.

“These past few days, I’ve been looking back on my life. From the day you said you wouldn’t live like me.”

“……That was a slip of the tongue.”

“The point is, the more I think about the past, the more I’m filled with regrets.”

“…….”

“But you…….”

At that moment, Go Baekwoo saw his father, who had always seemed so large, as his actual age. No, his father now looked much older than his actual age.

“I hope my son won’t be like that.”

“……Father,”

“I’ve talked everything over with Heejin. There’s an empty house in Seoji-dong. Move there. There are plenty of rooms, so you’ll be comfortable.”

“Father, I……”

“Cha Hongjo.”

Go Baekwoo wanted to say that wasn’t what he came for, but.

“You don’t need to worry about that child either.”

Go Daeil kept interrupting his son.

“…….”

“Keep going to the company.”

The father had more to say than the son. He had kept it all bottled up inside his heart for his entire life. He was finally revealing his inner thoughts.

“Don’t regret anything, and don’t fail. Like me, your father……”

So that he wouldn’t be buried in remorse.

“That’s enough.”

🔥

<A Thousand Flowers in Full Bloom>, which wasn’t originally produced as a commercial film, had a successful run despite its gloomy content and complex direction. It was somewhat expected as it had constantly been on people’s lips due to various reasons such as Cha Hongjo’s appearance, the incident, and the change of actress. However, the actual box office results far exceeded expectations, causing a sensation.

Choi Yitae, who had been an unknown director, firmly established his name, and Cha Hongjo completely shed his rookie label and rose to the ranks of a superstar.

Furthermore, the ‘incident’ that brought tears to the eyes of countless fans after <Ode to Youth> was concluded as an accidental event caused by actor Cha Hongjo’s excessive immersion in his role. Cha Hongjo’s image remained unscathed, and he even earned the title of “acting genius.”

Indeed, Cha Hongjo’s performance in <A Thousand Flowers in Full Bloom> was remarkable. Even some critics who had harshly criticized his acting in <Ode to Youth> as “a product of looks, the director’s skill, and capital” applauded Cha Hongjo’s “Man” this time.

“Mr. Hongjo, your popularity is incredible these days. How do you feel?”

It was an interview for a movie introduction program that aired on weekend mornings. The reporter, also a fan of Cha Hongjo, who hadn’t been able to hide his excitement throughout the interview, asked the question.

Cha Hongjo answered simply,

“I’m happy.”

Explaining a life without want wasn’t that complicated.

After answering, Cha Hongjo smiled like someone truly blessed with good fortune. For a moment, it was as if the studio lights were focused solely on him, as a multicolored light emanated from Cha Hongjo.

Outside the light, the staff, manager Park Solchan, and Go Baekwoo were captivated by Cha Hongjo’s smiling face. The face of a truly happy person was heartbreakingly beautiful.

“……You look truly happy. It makes me smile too. Then, Mr. Hongjo, it’s an early question since <A Thousand Flowers in Full Bloom> was released not long ago, but may I ask if you have decided on your next project?”

The reporter asked, and Cha Hongjo slightly rolled up the sleeves of his white shirt, which shimmered like pearls under the lights, and opened his lips.

“Not yet.”

“I heard you’re receiving a flood of offers. It must be difficult to choose.”

“Yes, I tend to read them all before deciding. It takes some time.”

“Is there any work you currently have in mind?”

“There is one.”

“Wow! Does that mean we’ll be able to see another side of Mr. Hongjo soon?”

“Well, I don’t know.”

“May I ask what kind of work it is?”

“Ah……”

Cha Hongjo, who had been answering readily, raised an eyebrow and feigned hesitation before giving his answer.

“I’ll tell you when it’s decided. I can’t talk about it carelessly. My…….”

He then pointed to a corner of the studio, out of reach of the lights.

“CEO is watching.”

And he winked at Go Baekwoo.

“You didn’t even tell me.”

After the interview, as soon as they got into the car alone, having sent Park Solchan off by himself, Go Baekwoo grumbled.

“‘My CEO is watching’?”

Go Baekwoo mimicked Cha Hongjo’s languid tone and started the car. He turned the steering wheel, and the car left the parking lot.

It was late afternoon when they entered the studio, but it was evening when they finished the interview and came out. Cha Hongjo glanced at the street with its multicolored flashing signs and smiled faintly.

“It’s true that I shouldn’t blabber carelessly.”

“That’s true, but……”

As soon as they reached the main road, they hit a red light. Go Baekwoo immediately turned to Cha Hongjo, grabbed his shoulder, and made him look at him.

“You’ve decided on what to film, right? But why won’t you tell me?”

Lately, Go Baekwoo’s interest had been entirely focused on Cha Hongjo’s next project. As the CEO of the company Cha Hongjo belonged to, and as his lover, he couldn’t help but be concerned.

Go Baekwoo was certain that Cha Hongjo had decided on his next project. Because he no longer looked at the mountain of other synopses.

He was right, but…….

The frustrating part was that no matter how much he asked, Cha Hongjo wouldn’t tell him which movie he had chosen.

“I’m still thinking about it,”

He always brushed him off like this.

If he hadn’t decided on his next project, knowing Cha Hongjo’s personality, he would be busy looking through other scripts. Go Baekwoo was frustrated and anxious because he couldn’t understand why Cha Hongjo was hiding his next project. He was worried that he might be working on the same project with someone he had a connection with in the past.

Of course, he now firmly trusted Cha Hongjo, but the problem was other people. They were bound to cling to Cha Hongjo again. He didn’t care if he was ridiculed for his unnecessary worries. Wasn’t Cha Hongjo someone worth worrying about? Moreover, it hadn’t been long since he had gotten rid of Mrs. Jo, who had been contacting Cha Hongjo. It wasn’t so much that he got rid of her, as it was that she had found another target, but…… In any case, she was a persistent person.

“Decide by today, then.”

Since Cha Hongjo was being stubborn, Go Baekwoo decided to be the same. His patience had worn thin, and he couldn’t stand it anymore. It was agonizing. Sure enough, recently, he had even had nightmares about Cha Hongjo working with director Kim Doyoung or his previous lovers and rekindling their relationships. He knew he was being fussy, but it was hard to control his feelings. It couldn’t be helped when it came to matters related to Cha Hongjo.

“By today—?”

Cha Hongjo drawled, as if dumbfounded. At that moment, the light changed. Go Baekwoo resumed driving, his eyes on the road ahead. But his mind was completely filled with thoughts of Cha Hongjo. It was fortunate that the studio and his house were close, so he didn’t have to drive for long.

“Yeah, by today.”

“Bullshit.”

“Bullshit? I know you’ve obviously chosen a project. Tell me now.”

“Are you that curious?”

“Yeah.”

“Why are you curious?”

He was asking something so obvious.

“Because it’s your work.”

Go Baekwoo said immediately.

“And also, because you’re not telling me, even though it’s not something to hide.”

The car turned right off the main road and started up a hill. It was the entrance to a neighborhood lined with detached houses.

“Tell me if you don’t want to see me go crazy.”

Go Baekwoo murmured in a stern voice, slowing the car down. Cha Hongjo chuckled as if he found it amusing.

“Ah, but what if I want to see Baekwoo go crazy?”

“……Ha.”

It was this side of Cha Hongjo that drove him crazy. Go Baekwoo suppressed the urge to bang his head against the steering wheel and turned it to the left. They were almost home.

“Forget it. Don’t tell me then.”

“How can I not tell my CEO?”

“Then tell me now.”

“I’m still thinking about it, I said.”

By the time their unproductive conversation ended, they had reached their destination. Go Baekwoo slammed on the brakes, sighed, “Ha……,” and got out of the car. He opened the garage door, got back into the car, and parked it on one side of the yard. During that time, neither of them spoke.

“Baekwoo,”

As they got out of the car, stepped onto the yard, and headed towards the front door, Cha Hongjo spoke. His irritation subsided at the mere mention of his name in a soft voice. Go Baekwoo scoffed at himself, thinking, “I’m really something,” and looked at Cha Hongjo.

“What.”

“Let’s make a bet.”

Cha Hongjo stopped walking and made the suggestion. Go Baekwoo asked,

“What kind of bet?”

“Whoever guesses what kind of soup Mom made today gets what they want. If you guess correctly, I’ll tell you about my next project. If I guess correctly, I’ll tell you when I want to.”

“……Okay.”

It wasn’t a bad deal for Go Baekwoo. No matter how good Cha Hongjo’s intuition was, he had the advantage, having seen ‘Mom’ for longer.

Go Baekwoo said,

“Doenjang jjigae (Soybean Paste Stew).”

“I say miyeok naengguk (Seaweed Cold Soup).”

“……Seaweed Cold Soup?”

“Yeah.”

“……Okay.”

Seaweed Cold Soup. It was a bit out of the ordinary for soup. Go Baekwoo felt uneasy, but the bet had already begun. The two of them went up to the second floor of the house. Go Baekwoo and Cha Hongjo lived on the second floor, while Go Baekwoo’s mother, Lee Heejin, lived on the first floor.

It had been about three months since the three of them started living together.

Go Baekwoo had moved into the house his father had bought in his name with his mother first, and a few days later,

‘Cha Hongjo.’

‘Yeah.’

‘Do you want to live together?’

He asked Cha Hongjo casually, and.

‘Yeah, okay.’

Cha Hongjo agreed without asking any questions. It was a bit surprising and very pleasing for Go Baekwoo. Of course, he still needed his mother’s permission.

Fortunately, his mother readily agreed. It was a pleasant but strange situation. It was as if both of them had agreed beforehand without saying anything further. Anyway, it was good that it was good.

The days he spent with his mother and Cha Hongjo were fulfilling. Not only that, but Go Baekwoo was certain that he would have no regrets if he lived like this from now on. Happiness was simpler than he thought.

It was the long-awaited dinner time. His mother rarely came up to the second floor where they lived, so Go Baekwoo and Cha Hongjo usually went down to the first floor on time. Today was no different.

The front door on the first floor was wide open. With the weather starting to get warmer these days, his mother often left the front door open so that her son and her other son could come and go as they pleased. Anyway.

“…….”

Go Baekwoo frowned from the moment he entered. The smell of food wafting from the kitchen was appetizing, but it definitely wasn’t the smell of soybean paste stew.

“Cha Hongjo,”

“Yeah.”

Cha Hongjo grinned. Go Baekwoo, on the other hand, had a stiff expression.

“How did you know it was Seaweed Cold Soup?”

“My pretty and stupid Baekwoo……”

“Did you talk to Mom on the phone?”

“We bought cucumbers and seaweed when we went grocery shopping yesterday.”

“…….”

“Then it’s Seaweed Cold Soup.”

“…….”

Go Baekwoo, who had underestimated his opponent, was completely defeated.

“My sons, eat a lot,”

Lee Heejin said as she picked up her spoon, and Go Baekwoo and Cha Hongjo started eating. Cha Hongjo picked up his spoon and immediately tasted the Seaweed Cold Soup, and Go Baekwoo picked up his chopsticks and took some side dishes.

“Baekwoo,”

Halfway through their meal, Go Baekwoo hadn’t had a single spoonful of the Seaweed Cold Soup. Noticing this, Lee Heejin asked,

“Does the soup taste bad?”

“……Ah, no. It’s delicious.”

“You haven’t even tried it.”

“…….”

“…….”

At that moment, Cha Hongjo suppressed a chuckle, and Go Baekwoo had no choice but to take a spoonful of the Seaweed Cold Soup. It tasted good. It was just his mood that was sour.

Soon after, when Go Baekwoo finished his rice and put down his spoon,

“Mother,”

Cha Hongjo said.

“Yes?”

Lee Heejin, who was reaching for the water pitcher, looked at Cha Hongjo. Cha Hongjo picked up the pitcher first and poured water into the cup in front of Lee Heejin as he continued,

“I,”

He continued,

“I’ve decided on my next project. Do you want to hear about it?”

“Oh, really? Tell me quickly.”

“…….”

Lee Heejin’s face lit up, and Go Baekwoo’s eyes widened as he turned his head sharply towards Cha Hongjo. Cha Hongjo looked alternately at the mother and son, who shared the same beautiful features, and began his story with a smile.

“It’s a movie by a director named Son Geunmun. It’s a bit different from the movies he’s made before.”

“What kind of movie is it?”

“……Um, a pretty movie?”

Cha Hongjo hesitated for a moment, his gaze shifting towards Go Baekwoo.

“The role I’m offered is a nineteen-year-old boy. He’s in love, unrequited love…… and, well, that’s the kind of story it is.”

His gaze returned to Lee Heejin, who was sitting across from him.

“The title is……”

He looked at Go Baekwoo again.

“‘Our Summer’.”

After dinner, when they went up to the second floor, Go Baekwoo sat demurely on the living room sofa, following Cha Hongjo with his eyes, and as soon as Cha Hongjo disappeared from his sight, he quickly reached for the living room table.

He picked up the script that was on top of the pile of papers that filled the table and stacked high, overflowing onto the surface. It was by far the most worn-out script among the others.

<Our Summer>

Before looking through the script, Go Baekwoo glanced briefly towards the bathroom, from where the sound of water was coming, then lowered his gaze.

Since Cha Hongjo had already revealed it, it was no longer a secret, but he felt like he was peeking, so he quickly turned the cover page with the title on it. He turned another page. And another, and another……. Then.

In the synopsis, perhaps near the end of the movie, there were lines underlined with a red pen. By reading that part, he would be able to guess why Cha Hongjo chose the movie “Our Summer” as his next project. He could have asked Cha Hongjo, but he was certain that Cha Hongjo wouldn’t say anything more after what he had said during dinner.

Swallowing hard, Go Baekwoo began to read the lines Cha Hongjo had marked himself.

[Junseo: (With a shy expression and tone) It’s already winter, but we met in the summer.

……

Junseo: (Handing Jiyoung a scarf) Are you cold? Here, take this.

……

Junseo: (Waving his hand) It’s okay. I’m not cold at all.

……

Junseo: (Smiling) I like winter. I used to hate summer because it was too hot. But now I like summer too.

……

Junseo: (Looking up at the sky) Because I met you in the summer. In the summer, you know, I started liking you.

……

Junseo: (Gazing intently at Jiyoung) Since then, all four seasons feel like summer. So I’m not cold even in winter. And I really started liking summer. I’m so happy that I don’t dislike anything anymore.

……

Junseo: (Covering the back of Jiyoung’s hand) Jiyoung, do you like summer too? I hope you do.

……

Junseo: (Interlocking his fingers with Jiyoung’s) I wish we could always live in summer.

……

Junseo: (Looking directly at Jiyoung) I like you.]

And below that, in Cha Hongjo’s handwriting, a short phrase was written:

[(Thinking of my pretty boy.)]

Just as he finished reading, the bathroom door burst open, and Cha Hongjo came out with a towel around his neck. Go Baekwoo hurriedly closed the synopsis, but he had already been caught.

“……You little sneak.”

That was all. Cha Hongjo didn’t say anything more and went into his room, presumably to get dressed. Go Baekwoo placed his palm on his chest. His heart was beating too fast.

Go Baekwoo, his ears flushed, muttered to himself,

“……Why not just say it directly.”

Cha Hongjo always expressed his feelings in a roundabout way like this. Strangely, it resonated more deeply than if he had said it directly. In any case, he really knew how to make him anxious. At this rate, he wouldn’t live a long life. That wouldn’t do. He had to live a long, long life…… with Cha Hongjo.

As the weather warmed up, the time of day the two of them enjoyed the most arrived. It was just before sunset. Their newfound happiness was to go up to the terrace after showering, sit side by side with their refreshed bodies, and watch the night descend.

They always had something to drink in one hand. Some days it was beer or wine, other days it was juice or water. Today it was apple juice.

“Should I cut up some fruit?”

Go Baekwoo, who had eaten less than usual due to his ‘soup-guessing defeat’, felt hungry. He asked, intending to have it as a snack, and Cha Hongjo nodded. Go Baekwoo put his cup on the small table and went back to the kitchen.

Go Baekwoo returned shortly with three green apples on a plate. Cha Hongjo turned his chair to face Go Baekwoo while smoking.

Go Baekwoo peeled the apples with a paring knife. The long peels fell onto the plate. Go Baekwoo’s lowered eyelashes were also long enough to cover the table. His nose bridge was straighter than the paring knife, and his lips looked plump as if they had already tasted the juice. Had he secretly eaten some out-of-season strawberries? Their color was red. I want to kiss him. Cha Hongjo thought as he watched Go Baekwoo, and then acted on it.

Screech, Cha Hongjo pushed off with his lower body, and the chair slid back. His upper body stretched forward, and his head tilted forward. Go Baekwoo, interrupted from peeling the apple, looked up at the approaching figure. At that moment, peck. Moist lips brushed against his cheek and then parted. Cha Hongjo quickly returned to his seat as if nothing had happened.

Go Baekwoo chuckled, seeing Cha Hongjo’s slightly flushed ears, even though it wasn’t cold. Then, he cut the peeled apple in half, then into quarters, and murmured.

“……Why not more?”

“…….”

Without replying, Cha Hongjo picked up a slice of apple that Go Baekwoo had just put down and munched on it.

Go Baekwoo glanced at the two untouched apples and put down the paring knife. He popped a pre-cut apple slice into his mouth, just like Cha Hongjo, and chewed. It was sweet and tart, very delicious. Though not as much as Cha Hongjo.

His original temperament hadn’t gone anywhere, but Go Baekwoo was now enjoying experiencing Cha Hongjo’s new sides. Like just now, for example. In the past, Cha Hongjo would have rubbed his lower body against Go Baekwoo’s face, which was practically a stranger’s, and remained nonchalant, but now he would occasionally just brush his lips against his cheek and blush.

Cha Hongjo finished chewing and swallowing a piece of apple. He was about to pick up another slice when,

“Wait a minute.”

Go Baekwoo stopped him by grabbing his wrist and then stroked up his arm to his shoulder. Since they had just finished showering, his skin was soft and smooth, but the touch felt sticky as if it were coated in sweat.

Go Baekwoo’s hand finally reached his cheek.

Go Baekwoo, slightly raising his knee, placed his other hand on the table and leaned his upper body towards Cha Hongjo. Cha Hongjo’s lips curved slightly upwards, and his eyelids lowered. He parted his lips in anticipation of Go Baekwoo’s kiss.

Tongues intertwined, a mix of toothpaste and apple scent. The pointed tip of his tongue licked and pressed every corner of his molars and palate, embracing his tongue. Then, as if to melt his lower lip, he gently wrapped it with his lips, lightly kissed the corner of his mouth, and pulled away.

Even after the kiss, Go Baekwoo continued to caress Cha Hongjo’s cheek, then kissed his forehead once more, and as if that wasn’t enough, he pressed his lips against the space between his eyebrows, the bridge of his nose, and his other cheek a few more times before sitting back down and murmuring,

“You ate a green apple, but you’re as red as if you ate a red one.”

“You’re fucking red too.”

Cha Hongjo murmured, scratching his nose briefly, and took out a cigarette.

“Me? Where am I red?”

“……Everywhere.”

“You’re always either red or white. Like a flower…… So fucking pretty.”

Cha Hongjo continued, his pronunciation muffled because he was chewing on the filter, then lowered his gaze from Go Baekwoo and flicked his lighter.

At that moment, Go Baekwoo, who had also lit a cigarette, exhaled smoke and said,

“Come to think of it, I’ve never said this before……”

His gaze remained fixed on Cha Hongjo. Even though his eyes stung from the acrid smoke.

“You’re pretty too, Cha Hongjo.”

He never knew how to look away from Cha Hongjo.

“Prettier than a flower.”

“Me?”

Cha Hongjo asked incredulously, lifting his gaze from where it had been wandering on the table to look at Go Baekwoo. As their eyes met, Go Baekwoo grinned, his chin resting on his hand that held the cigarette.

“Yeah.”

“I’m handsome.”

“To my eyes, you’re pretty.”

“Let’s just say you’re right.”

“Are you letting me win?”

“I have to.”

Cha Hongjo murmured as if to himself, tapping off the ash from his cigarette.

“Because I love you.”

His face was flushed, as if he had absorbed all the sunset glow of the world.

“……We’ve even set up house.”

The flames flared up unexpectedly, time and time again.

“…….”

Go Baekwoo immediately grabbed Cha Hongjo’s hand, which was resting on the table. Forcefully. His lover was so overwhelmingly lovely that he couldn’t control the strength in his grip.

“I,”

Go Baekwoo said,

“I used to hate summer because it was too hot, but now I like it.”

As soon as he heard the beginning of Go Baekwoo’s words, Cha Hongjo licked his lower lip. He was shy. Go Baekwoo continued,

“Because I started liking you last summer.”

Nineteen. It was the day he heard about the passing of the old woman who owned the Saessak Sanghoe store. The day he walked wherever his feet took him and arrived at Cha Hongjo.

“It was love at first sight.”

He was truly lucky.

“I’m still falling in love at first sight.”

If he had been unlucky that day, he wouldn’t have been able to smoke, and he wouldn’t have met Cha Hongjo…… Go Baekwoo, now complete, felt relieved.

“I’ll fall in love forever.”

Twenty.

“I love you, Hongjo.”

“……Me too,”

Cha Hongjo, also complete, replied.

“Go Baekwoo, let’s keep living like this, together.”

Just like then, the flames flared up in unexpected moments,

“Yeah, happily.”

“Yes, happily……”

“Just like now.”

“Yeah……”

And they would never die out.

“Just like now.”