The Smell of Something Fishy Chapter 8.1

A week had passed since they began living together in earnest. By this point, a routine had naturally formed.

The morning routine was, for the most part, similar to what it had been before. Tae Shinju, waking at dawn, would relieve his morning erection using Yeonseo’s front hole, then go exercise before they showered together. After that, he would put a chastity device and nipple rings on Yeonseo, but a new pattern had recently been added to this ritual.

The pattern was that the final insertion always involved the back hole.

“Hngh, ah…”

“Morning pee time. Come on, focus on my hand. Pee…”

“Ugh…”

The man’s firm hand reached from behind, kneading Yeonseo’s penis. The touch, though careful in its own way, was less about arousing for sex and more about gently coaxing.

The soft but unhesitating touch caused Yeonseo’s back hole to clench instinctively. A thick penis, like a rod, was inserted into his back hole, stimulating his bladder.

Tap, trickle…

And Yeonseo, a captive to his own penis, ended up peeing as the man led him to, just like every other day. Toilet training had been ongoing since the first day of their cohabitation.

To be honest, there was a lot to say about this. Instead of praising him for not getting it on his pants, hadn’t Tae Shinju blocked his urethra that very day, tormenting him?

And then, the next day, Tae Shinju didn’t even go to work, spending the entire day holding Yeonseo close, inserting himself from behind every time Yeonseo needed to use the bathroom and guiding his urination by hand.

This went on for a full week.

Yeonseo was steadily being molded into a body that couldn’t even go to the bathroom alone. It was only natural that the rapid changes in his body made him increasingly fearful.

“Haha, nice and tight. Good job.”

Kiss, kiss. The man kissed the back of Yeonseo’s neck and cheeks, then cleanly shook off the urine-soaked penis before pulling out. But it didn’t end there. He flipped Yeonseo over and sat him on the toilet, knees bent and legs spread wide in a leaning position.

“Hah!”

The moment Tae Shinju firmly gripped the backs of Yeonseo’s knees, he thrust deeply into Yeonseo’s tender front hole. Splat! The sound of flesh colliding rang out as he plunged in deeply, then stopped abruptly, pressing his hips forward.

“Hnngh…”

A stream of urine, far greater than Yeonseo’s own, filled his inner walls. With Tae Shinju holding his knees, Yeonseo had no choice but to remain pinned, receiving the man’s urine in his front hole until it all came gushing out.

Had he cried the first time he experienced this? He couldn’t quite remember. But it was an experience, and lately, he’d grown bold enough to spread his arms toward the man without sobbing.

“Good job.”

Kiss. Tae Shinju patted Yeonseo, who had successfully completed the morning routine, rewarding him with something akin to praise. Tender kisses grazed his eyes, cheeks, and lips. His skin, once marred with scars, had noticeably healed.

Shhh—

After urinating together, they showered. More accurately, it was Yeonseo being thoroughly washed by the man’s hands.

Even with his back pressed against the man’s chest, Yeonseo still felt shy when his front and back holes were cleaned by those hands. But Tae Shinju was so strict about washing him personally that Yeonseo couldn’t even touch his own body freely.

Looking back, from the first day in this house until now, Yeonseo couldn’t recall a single time he’d showered or bathed alone, even when he offered to do it himself. Knowing that pushing back might lead to Tae Shinju knocking him out with sex, Yeonseo chose to obediently surrender his body.

At least during the washing, there was no erotic tension. Similarly, when drying his hair after the shower or returning to the bedroom, Tae Shinju took care of everything himself.

Tae Shinju was affectionate, filthy, and complex. Though he urinated on Yeonseo’s body and indulged in dirty words and acts without hesitation, he also kissed him tenderly, cared for his body, and carried him even short distances with equal frequency.

In short, the basest treatment coexisted with the most precious care. As a result, Yeonseo couldn’t help but see him as a complex person.

‘He doesn’t… urinate on me every day.’

Indeed, thankfully, it wasn’t a daily occurrence.

While he did insert into Yeonseo’s back hole for toilet training, there were days when morning sex lasted longer or was replaced with a blowjob. When time was tight, they’d finish the toilet training and move straight to the shower. Yeonseo was surprised by this too. Tae Shinju never skipped washing him, nor did he ever show annoyance at it.

Yeonseo speculated that, given Tae Shinju’s personality, he was as meticulous about controlling himself as he was about controlling others. There was a sense that he adhered strictly to a regular routine, rarely allowing for deviations.

Tae Shinju was undeniably a complex person, but his routine was remarkably simple, as Yeonseo had noted before. Observing him up close, it seemed the unwavering routine was key.

‘And I’m… part of that routine.’

The thought that Park Yeonseo was included in Tae Shinju’s routine made Yeonseo’s face flush. It gave him the illusion of being someone important.

After the shower, wrapped in a bath towel, Tae Shinju carried him back to the bedroom. Putting on the chastity device and nipple rings, then seeing him off from the bed—that was the usual routine.

Yeonseo deliberately added a new pattern to this. He couldn’t just sit still, or so he felt.

It was Tae Shinju’s habit to bring Yeonseo’s clothes when he returned from his morning workout. In return, Yeonseo would pick out accessories for Tae Shinju, like a tie or cufflinks. On days with important meetings, he’d choose subtle items like a handkerchief or socks.

He wasn’t trained in this and lacked an eye for style, so he wasn’t sure if he chose well. But Tae Shinju always wore whatever Yeonseo picked without complaint, carrying it off perfectly, so Yeonseo didn’t worry too much. Likewise, Tae Shinju never criticized Yeonseo’s choices, accepting them with a gentle kiss.

The send-off took place just outside the bedroom door.

-legs crossed.

“Pee.”

“Yes. Be safe…”

Kiss. Tying the tie, a kiss. Picking out a handkerchief, another kiss.

Tae Shinju sucked on Yeonseo’s tongue for a while before reluctantly letting go with a longing gaze. Yeonseo pressed a hand against his chest.

“You’ll be late.”

“Chasing me out to make money, huh? Fine. Keep your mouth and hole ready until I get back. I’ll be quick.”

Biting Yeonseo’s flushed ear firmly, he left for work.

This was the fixed morning routine.

“Haa…”

Yeonseo collapsed onto the disheveled bed. Then, he crawled into Tae Shinju’s spot. It was a habit Tae Shinju didn’t know about. Even when wide awake, lying here wrapped in the blankets would make his consciousness fade. With late nights spent entangled with Tae Shinju, this was when he recharged his energy and sleep.

It was peaceful.

Eleven in the morning. Yeonseo’s real day began. His routine was as simple as Tae Shinju’s. He’d eat a late breakfast or lunch, do the day’s assignments until Tae Shinju returned, and occasionally call for permission to urinate. That was his afternoon.

Yeonseo admitted that the simple, steady routine calmed his once-anxious heart. More honestly, it was because Tae Shinju didn’t find him bothersome.

This made Yeonseo feel at ease by Tae Shinju’s side, despite his limited skills. Even the perverse sex was justified by a whisper of “it’s because he’s a pervert.”

Most importantly, “conversation time” had returned.

It was the time after dinner when they’d chat about trivial things.

Yeonseo mostly talked about his assignments then. Tae Shinju was a thorough teacher, checking not just completion but the process and emotions involved. Even if Yeonseo didn’t finish, the assignments were fun, so he’d eagerly share stories, often planning what to say later, making conversation time longer lately.

Just yesterday…

‘It was fun yesterday too.’

A pleasant smile spread across Yeonseo’s face. Yesterday’s assignment was coloring a book.

On the second day of living together, while reviewing the first assignment, Tae Shinju had said:

—Finish it, and I’ll give you another assignment. I’ve prepared various things, so enjoy yourself.

—What?

Wasn’t assembling Lego the end? Surprised, Yeonseo asked, and Tae Shinju tilted his head as if it were obvious.

—You seem bored alone. I put thought into these, so look forward to it.

The meaning became clear naturally.

Tae Shinju’s assignments were ordinary yet strange. Yeonseo should’ve noticed with the Lego, but the “assignments” were similar.

—I finished the Lego.

—Watch TV today.

Lego, then TV, books, games, puzzles… even “studying.”

Like clothes never worn twice, the assignments always changed. Not difficult but unfamiliar, Yeonseo was tense at first. Playing required adjustment. Fortunately, after Lego and TV, he didn’t spend more than a day on an assignment. He looked forward to the next one.

“When will he be back…”

He missed Tae Shinju, though it was too early to expect him.

🕷️

Tae Shinju returned an hour earlier than usual. Yeonseo, caught off guard by the unexpected fortune, greeted him with a dazed expression. Having napped, woken up in the afternoon, it felt like a quick reunion.

“Why that face? I said I’d be early.”

“I didn’t expect this early…”

“So? You don’t like it?”

“No, no.”

“Hmm.”

He tugged Yeonseo’s cheek with a crooked smile.

“Oh?”

“Such a fool. I finished an external meeting early and left work. Shall we eat out?”

That was it. Great news for Yeonseo. The idea of eating out was very, very appealing. But something equally tempting made him hesitate between two choices.

Tae Shinju quickly noticed his hesitation.

“…What? Speak up.”

“Well, it’s just…”

The drama was so good—could he finish the episode first? He worried Tae Shinju might get upset and torment him, but eating out was rare and tempting too.

Yeonseo fidgeted, waving his hands nervously. Tae Shinju, tilting his head, glanced at the living room wall.

“Ah… Doing your assignment?”

“Yes, yes. The assignment.”

Yeonseo nodded quickly. Tae Shinju tucked him under his arm and sat on the sofa.

“What’s so fun you’re hesitating over dinner? Let’s watch together.”

“…Really?”

Yeonseo asked, knowing it wasn’t what Tae Shinju meant. Tae Shinju chuckled.

“Why not? It’s your assignment time, so I’ll compromise.”

“Thank you… It’s really, really fun. You’ll like it too, Tae Shinju.”

“Now I’m curious. This is the first time you’ve reacted like this to an assignment.”

He tossed his jacket over the sofa armrest and crossed his long legs. Yeonseo cautiously asked,

“Should I start from episode one…?”

“Should we?”

Yeonseo froze at the quick reply. It was brief, but enough for Tae Shinju to sense his sincerity.

The man’s lips curved into a long smile.

“Nah, you’d cry if we started over. Explain the earlier episodes later.”

“Yes…!”

Yeonseo’s bright face smiled at Tae Shinju. He grabbed the familiar remote and pressed play. The episode was at a critical point, and Yeonseo quickly immersed himself.

“It’s Game of Thrones?”

Tae Shinju whispered, pulling Yeonseo, who was glued to the TV, into his arms.

When did he get so close… Yeonseo glanced at him, then back to the screen, nodding.

“Yes… You know it?”

“A bit. I stopped watching early on.”

“What? Why? It’s so good…”

Maybe because Yeonseo was practically clinging to Tae Shinju’s chest, their voices dropped to whispers.

“Well, too violent?”

“Oh…”

A disappointed sigh. He genuinely looked regretful.

So innocent. As if. Tae Shinju considered devouring Yeonseo’s eyes but continued.

“I mean, Park Yeonseo, you handle beheadings well? Didn’t you watch that zombie drama too?”

“…Yes, yes. The Joseon zombie one.”

Yeonseo’s shoulder twitched as someone was killed on screen. Despite the shock, his expression barely changed.

Tae Shinju stared at the fingers clutching his chest. Ready to jump? Cute, just like him. A soft laugh escaped.

“Pretty surprising… You look like you’d be scared of ghosts or zombies, but you’re fearless.”

Yeonseo’s delicate, floral scent teased Tae Shinju. Drawn in, he pressed his lips to Yeonseo’s ear, inhaling deeply.

Yeonseo shrank, mumbling.

“It’s… not scary, more fascinating.”

“Fascinating?”

Tae Shinju teased Yeonseo’s pale skin, urging him to continue.

“Yes… Hng. Their appearance is different from people around me, so it’s… interesting.”

Yeonseo recently realized he was unfazed by horror or creature thrillers. He’d never had the chance to explore media based on interest before. There was no TV at home or the factory, and the office TV was just background noise.

“So this drama’s that fun?”

“Yes, yes…!”

“Really excited, huh.”

“Haha…”

His usually startled, wide eyes softened into a smooth smile.

Tae Shinju pulled Yeonseo’s slim waist closer. Yeonseo’s gaze naturally turned to him.

‘So… close.’

Too close, his vision blurred.

Gulp. The sound, likely his own, was loud.

At kissing distance, Tae Shinju asked,

“Incest or affairs—which one’s hotter?”

“…What?”

“Brother or someone else’s man. What’s sexier?”

Both were absurd hypotheticals. If anything, Tae Shinju would be the “someone else’s man.”

—Try different things. You’ll figure out what you want later. You don’t seem to have clear tastes.

Why did that advice come to mind now?

It was Tae Shinju’s response when Yeonseo asked why he gave him these assignments.

Back then, Yeonseo was purely grateful. He’d never had the chance to develop tastes, barely finishing middle school. Tae Shinju’s effort felt kind.

“What’re you thinking?”

A low, sensual voice…

His lips curled faintly, maybe smiling, maybe not.

Gulp. Yeonseo swallowed hard, his voice hoarse.

“Something… you said before.”

“What.”

His breath grazed Yeonseo. Their lips hovered apart.

“If… if possible, tastes…”

“Oh. That I’d like to be Park Yeonseo’s taste?”

Thud.

His heart sank. Was it the man’s happy smile?

‘I… see him smile a lot lately.’

Or the sudden realization?

His heart tickled. Wanting to scratch it with his nails, Yeonseo met Tae Shinju’s eyes briefly. Tae Shinju tilted his head and kissed him.

Soft… warm kiss.

As their lips nearly touched, Yeonseo closed his eyes. Mmm, mmm… Light kisses deepened as both opened their mouths without prompting.

From shared breaths to ravenous kisses.

The drama he’d prioritized over dinner faded into oblivion.

[Winter is coming…]

Ignoring the deep-voiced warning, they collapsed onto the long sofa, entwined.

“Hah…”

Kiss, kiss. Chilling kisses deepened into intense caresses. Tae Shinju sucked hard on Yeonseo’s clean neck.

“Hngh…”

A quick hand slipped under Yeonseo’s shirt, rubbing warm nipples. Pressing and circling the sensitive skin, it teased his senses.

“Close your eyes.”

A large hand covered Yeonseo’s eyes. The husky voice, like a priest from the drama, entranced him.

“Imagine. What if I was your brother, Park Shinju?”

If Tae Shinju were his brother.

‘…Awkward.’

He mingled their tongues deeply, then pulled back. Yeonseo’s tongue ached sweetly.

“Or your mother’s lover.”

“Your… mother’s?”

“Shh… focus.”

Kiss, kiss. After a brief peck, he slowly rubbed his lower body against Yeonseo’s. As their bulging crotches pressed against each other through their clothes, even the rough texture of the fabric felt stimulating.

Yeonseo swayed his hips in rhythm with him. The occasional surge of pleasure painted his mind white, easily overwhelming his reason.

If Tae Shinju were his brother… or someone else’s man.

He didn’t know. But one thing was certain:

‘I’d still have my gaze stolen by him.’

The day of his father’s funeral, when a man who appeared out of nowhere captivated his entire attention.

His insides burned. It must have shown on his face. Under such a sharp gaze, there was nothing he could hide.

Tae Shinju grabbed Yeonseo’s chin and tilted it up. His smiling eyes were filled with intrigue.

“What’s that look? What’s up?”

Yeonseo couldn’t muster the courage to say it aloud. Instead, he reached out his arms. The towering man willingly leaned in, letting himself be embraced.

Yeonseo pressed close to his ear.

“Whatever… it is…”

“Hm. ‘Whatever’ isn’t an option.”

Tae Shinju’s eyes glinted playfully. Yeonseo tightened his hold, pressing his cheek firmly against the man’s solid shoulder.

Whether he was a brother or someone else’s man.

“Don’t… have sex with anyone else.”

The truth, painfully spoken.

When had it started? When had he become certain Tae Shinju wouldn’t get angry at his words? When had he grown to love this terrifying yet breathtaking affection?

When had he wanted to let himself be consumed, knowing full well that Tae Shinju was binding his body alive?

“…Ha.”

Tae Shinju shuddered. Park Yeonseo was giving orders.

Park Yeonseo, of all people, daring to.

Yet it felt justified. It felt right. He was pleased, satisfied. The clinging gesture was so endearing that he wanted to pound into Yeonseo’s hole until it was ruined, filling him with seed.

“Hngh!”

The kiss that followed was fiery. It melted both their reason and senses, leaving them desperately craving each other.

Not just Tae Shinju but Yeonseo, too, eagerly stripped the other. Shirts and pants were torn off, the plug blocking the hole was yanked out, and a raw cock took its place.

“Hah!”

“Ugh…”

The hole hadn’t even been touched yet. Thanks to the dildo, it was somewhat stretched, but still tight. Tae Shinju, on the other hand, was too large and hot, so Yeonseo spread his thighs wider, wrapping his calves around the man and pressing tightly.

To let him reach the deepest well.

Thud!

“Say it again. What did you say?”

“Hngh! G-Gently. Gently…”

“Quickly. Say it quick.”

The hole gushed wetly. A few thrusts, and it was already soaked. Tae Shinju wasn’t foolish enough to miss the chance.

Thrust!

“Hah!”

“Speak.”

It was almost a growl. Yeonseo, trembling violently, opened his mouth.

“S-Sex,”

Thud!

“Don’t,”

Slap!

“Have… hngh!”

“Hnngh.”

In his overwhelming excitement, Tae Shinju’s muscles swelled. From the start, he gripped Yeonseo’s waist, thrusting hard and fast. The coarse hair grazed the clean hole, scraping and leaving red marks like lashes.

Hurting Park Yeonseo was a joy.

“Haa!”

Then, without warning, he twisted Yeonseo onto his side. Hooking one leg over his shoulder, he slammed down vertically. Pressing Yeonseo’s thigh against his torso and thrusting upward, Yeonseo sobbed pitifully.

“Hngh, sob, haa! Ah!”

The new position made his inner walls clench thrillingly. Tae Shinju leaned slightly forward, kneading Yeonseo’s chest with one hand.

Slap, smack, thud. His balls struck the mound at an unfamiliar angle. The walls quivered intensely. Yeonseo’s hole tightened desperately, but a single thrust tore through to the deepest parts.

“Hngh, ugh, hnn.”

Yeonseo tilted his chin up, drooling. His eyes had been tightly shut since earlier. Tae Shinju reached out, parting Yeonseo’s lips. Playing with the small, wet tongue, he swung his cock.

“If I only have sex with you.”

“Ugh, yes! Hngh!”

“You’ll bear my kids?”

Thud! Thud!

“Even sneaking pills?”

“Ahh! Hnngh! Ah! A-Ah, hngh!”

The pace of thrusting was unusually fast. His body, on the verge of release, stiffened. The strange being, neither man nor woman, swayed with each brutal thrust.

“I-I don’t take them anymore.”

“How can I trust that?”

Tae Shinju shook his hips ferociously. Thump, thump, thump, the head battered the narrow entrance, forcing it open.

“Aaah!”

Spurt, trickle… Clear fluid stained the sofa and belly. Tae Shinju, too, pressed the womb tightly as the rush of climax hit. Yeonseo clawed at the sofa.

“You’d need to bear at least three kids for me to decide if you’re a whore or a wife.”

Whether Yeonseo registered those final words was unclear.

“Hnngh…”

Exhausted in moments, Yeonseo instinctively reached out. Tap. His fingertips rested on Tae Shinju’s arm. That was his last gesture.

Shh, shh.

The brazen whore passed out from a single climax.

Staring at the debtor nicknamed “squirrel,” Tae Shinju suddenly came like a fool. The pink, shell-like nails, desperately clinging to him, were deeply satisfying.

‘Finally recognizing where to cling.’

The idiot who used to shrink back in fear.

“Hmm… I’ll let it slide today.”

He wasn’t entirely without guilt.

He swore early retirement wasn’t a plan to ravage Yeonseo’s hole. The meeting really ended early. He just “came to” and was already stripping him.

“‘Came to’…”

Swollen eyes and long lashes caught his gaze. Definitely a pretty face. Unlike filthy men, always lovely, always tempting to kiss.

‘Just suits my taste too well.’

Like junk food that lingers in your mind after the first bite.

Park Yeonseo was premium junk food disguised as fine shellfish. But for Tae Shinju, it was safe to devour.

The “without realizing” part nagged at him. But he shook off the thought, cradling the unconscious body and heading to the bedroom.

Winter is coming…

The drama’s iconic line glanced at them, unheeded.

Waking after a nap, it was an ambiguous midnight.

Yeonseo checked the empty spot beside him, then the clock. Hours remained until midnight. Passing out before early evening had a big impact.

‘I’ve slept enough for today.’

Just a couple of hours, but it felt like a long, deep sleep. Without Tae Shinju, falling asleep would take effort.

If it were closer to midnight, he’d force himself to sleep, but with so much time left, Yeonseo got up. The absence of that man was another reason.

Tae Shinju was in the study.

“Awake?”

“Yes… Were you working?”

“Someone left me mid-play to sleep alone.”

“Haha…”

Laughing awkwardly at the study’s threshold, Tae Shinju grabbed his tablet and came out. One hand held the tablet, the other Park Yeonseo. His confident stride was natural.

“Hungry?”

“Huh?”

“You’re not hungry?”

He wasn’t, having just woken. Yeonseo started to refuse but asked instead,

“What about you, Tae Shinju?”

“I ate. Wait a bit, I’ll order delivery.”

“Oh, you don’t have to.”

“Just taste it. Starving long isn’t good.”

Hard to refuse after that. Yeonseo sat with Tae Shinju on the living room sofa. The same spot from earlier. Despite bodily fluids, it was spotless.

“Watch the drama while the food comes.”

“Oh… Yes!”

Yeonseo was thrilled. Taking the remote, he gauged Tae Shinju’s mood, wary of sneaky touches, but it was unfounded.

Tae Shinju sat to Yeonseo’s left, skimming work on his tablet, ignoring the TV, with one arm over Yeonseo’s shoulder.

It wasn’t teasing, so Yeonseo relaxed. Spending time together like this was deeply pleasant. Eventually, he leaned into Tae Shinju, absorbed in the drama.

They ate chicken while the drama played. Sadly, Yeonseo couldn’t focus fully. The sheer amount of food was to blame. Tae Shinju ordered too much.

‘Just taste it, he said.’

“Ugh…”

Afraid he’d vomit if he spoke, Yeonseo covered his mouth.

Though he ate more now, the table full of assorted chicken was too much even for Tae Shinju. He barely touched it, stealing bites from Yeonseo, leaving him to stuff himself until bursting. Foolish bravado.

“Tch… I said just taste it.”

Snack time ended with Tae Shinju fetching digestive pills.

Yeonseo drooped his brows and replied,

“There was so much left…”

Tae Shinju laughed aloud, a low rumble making Yeonseo blush.

“Sounds too stingy for someone earning billions daily.”

“Oh…”

Yeonseo quickly swallowed the pill. Meanwhile, Tae Shinju boxed the chicken and took it to the kitchen.

‘So full.’

Chicken was off the menu for a while.

Slumped on the sofa, Tae Shinju clicked his tongue.

“Drink. It’ll help digestion.”

He’d brought tea from the kitchen. Thoughtful.

“Thank you…”

Holding the warm cup, Yeonseo breathed deeply. Glancing over, he saw Tae Shinju had a different tea.

He preferred coffee but chose tea at night, mindful of his short sleep hours.

A quiet silence settled. Not uncomfortable.

The touch of their arms, seeing Tae Shinju’s profile with a glance—it was all nice. Yeonseo patted his racing heart.

“Feeling sick?”

“No, no. Just… helping it settle.”

An unintended lie.

Yeonseo pretended to sip tea, hoping the cup hid his face.

“Lean on me. I won’t eat you.”

Tae Shinju pulled Yeonseo to his shoulder, rubbing his back. You don’t have to… The mumble stayed in Yeonseo’s mouth.

He sipped to hide a leaking smile.

“So… what did you do today?”

To cover the smile, Yeonseo started a conversation.

“Had a client meeting. Ate at a Korean restaurant; the food was refined.”

“I see. You’ve had a lot of fieldwork lately.”

“Sort of. Might be better. New Year will keep me stuck at the office.”

“Oh… New Year.”

“Time flies, huh?”

Yeonseo agreed.

‘The New Year’s soon.’

Staying indoors, he lost track of time. Tae Shinju’s house felt timeless.

“You know Christmas is coming?”

“Already?”

He wasn’t surprised by Christmas itself. Holidays, birthdays—none held meaning. His year was workdays or not.

“You can go out that day.”

“…Okay.”

No plans, but Yeonseo nodded. The gesture felt kind. Going out with Tae Shinju would be perfect, but he didn’t dare hope. Tae Shinju likely had prior, more important plans.

And that wasn’t something to feel upset about. It was only natural.

Yeonseo was just glad Tae Shinju didn’t insist he leave. Questions about “work” or debt if they skipped sex time went unasked.

Honestly, Yeonseo hadn’t thought about the debt in a while. Since living together, Tae Shinju had been kind.

The scars were one reason…

‘I just like being with him.’

These silly conversations were nice. Even silent moments weren’t a waste. Even if “fines” piled up, delaying debt repayment.

A big deal, but Yeonseo avoided mentioning it, fearing a return to cold sex. He wanted to savor this time a bit longer.

‘Is that greedy?’

“Why don’t you ask?”

Tae Shinju, staring with unreadable eyes, asked.

“Huh? Ask what…”

“If I have plans that day.”

Yeonseo was genuinely flustered. Not only unexpected, but he wasn’t sure how to respond. He fiddled with his neck.

“Oh… I assumed you had plans…”

“I do.”

As if it were obvious, he said flatly. Yeonseo cautiously gauged his mood. Something felt off.

‘Am I right?’

“…Can you cancel them?”

“If a certain ungrateful someone sneaking pills doesn’t make an offer, they’re non-cancelable.”

Those damn pills.

Pfft, Yeonseo let out a deflated laugh. He couldn’t help it.

Tae Shinju was clear enough that Yeonseo wasn’t too foolish to miss his intent.

“Would you… go out with me that day?”

“I’ll think about it.”

“Huh?”

Tae Shinju emphasized,

“I’ll decide based on how much you want it.”

Suddenly, Yeonseo had to beg for a date.

Awkwardly scanning the room, Yeonseo kissed Tae Shinju’s cheek first.

“Spend Christmas… with me.”

Ah.

Only after speaking did Yeonseo realize.

Why he wanted to talk with him, debt aside. Why he wanted to agree to odd suggestions. Why he liked Tae Shinju’s care. Why he felt stable in this house. Why he simply wanted to be with him.

Why he wanted to do things together…

‘I want to.’

Yeonseo had never felt such a fierce desire to do something with someone. It was a powerful, vivid emotion.

He wanted to keep this man by his side.