Black & Grey Vol. 3 Chapter 1

Yoochan’s stiff tongue tickled the inside of Jungeol’s lips, rubbing forcefully against his frozen tongue. Startled by the unfamiliar sensation of someone else stirring inside his mouth, Yoochan instinctively clenched his jaw.

“…”

Jungeol’s eyebrows furrowed as his tongue was painfully bitten, but then the hand that had been gripping Yoochan’s shoulder slid down to firmly support his neck. Yoochan, panting from the unexpected physical contact, finally managed to open his eyes and look ahead.

Jungeol didn’t seem to mind the bite. He simply wanted to relive the emotions he felt on the terrace in Milan, bathed in the sunset. With his eyes calmly closed and a slight frown, Yoochan finally realized that Jungeol was genuinely kissing him.

Unsure of what to do, Yoochan’s arms trembled in the air as if in convulsion. As Jungeol turned his head and swept his tongue across the roof of Yoochan’s mouth, Yoochan felt a dizzying sensation, closing his eyes tightly and bending his knees. Just before Yoochan collapsed, Jungeol’s other hand grabbed his waist and forcefully lifted him up. Even as their positions changed, the deep kiss continued, and an unidentifiable saliva flowed into Yoochan’s open throat.

“Ugh…”

A moan escaped Yoochan’s lips as he grimaced in discomfort from the foreign sensation. Undeterred, Jungeol moved the hand that had been supporting Yoochan’s nape down to his back, massaging the muscles that ran along the deep groove in the center of his spine.

A shiver ran down Yoochan’s spine as Jungeol’s hand moved lower. Seeing Yoochan freeze, Jungeol pulled away and asked softly,

“Do you not like it?”

Shaking slightly, Yoochan shook his head and gripped Jungeol’s clothes tightly. Jungeol, with Yoochan almost clinging to him, slid his hand down Yoochan’s spine to his thigh, wrapping it around his waist and pulling him close.

Trapped between the wall and Jungeol, Yoochan quickly felt Jungeol’s hard erection pressing against him. Jungeol lightly bit Yoochan’s hesitant tongue and began to gently grind his hips.

Excited by the heavy pressure on his thigh, Yoochan panted and moved his hips in sync with Jungeol. As heat rose between them, Yoochan pressed his body fully against Jungeol, wrapping his arms around Jungeol’s neck, no longer passive.

Despite his fear, Yoochan’s curiosity seemed to grow as he awkwardly moved his body. Jungeol responded immediately, a low moan escaping his lips.

Once Jungeol confirmed that Yoochan was supporting himself, he slid his hand under Yoochan’s jacket.

“…Ugh.”

As Jungeol’s calloused palm brushed against Yoochan’s waist, Yoochan let out a moan. The sensation of skin against skin made Yoochan’s hips tremble and move more vigorously up and down. Jungeol moved his hand from Yoochan’s lower back to his firm, slender sides, thinking about the next step as he silently opened his eyes.

Yoochan came into view, moving his hips as if masturbating and panting heavily. Their eyes met, and Yoochan looked at him with a pleading, half-open gaze, desire mixed with uncertainty. The sight of Yoochan’s aroused face made Jungeol’s lower body throb as it had in Milan.

Jungeol removed his hand from under Yoochan’s armpit and lifted his own shirt from the bottom. Their lips, briefly separated, urgently found each other again. Jungeol’s rough hand then unzipped Yoochan’s jacket, revealing his firm body. Jungeol’s muscular frame pressed against Yoochan, who moaned in pleasure at the warm contact.

Jungeol slowly removed Yoochan’s windbreaker, embracing him and covering him with kisses. Unsatisfied, he lifted Yoochan by the thighs and carried him effortlessly.

“Ah…!”

Startled, Yoochan clung to Jungeol’s neck. Jungeol steadily held Yoochan and kissed him again. Yoochan, who had been passively receiving the kiss, tentatively extended his tongue, tracing Jungeol’s palate. Jungeol accepted Yoochan’s clumsy kiss and carried him to the sofa, laying him down and climbing on top.

Jungeol’s firm yet soft tongue pushed through Yoochan’s teeth. As their tongues intertwined, Yoochan felt his sweatpants being pulled down and gasped, breaking the kiss.

Ignoring Yoochan’s wavering gaze, Jungeol lightly bit his chin. He caressed Yoochan’s firm thighs before pulling down his underwear, gripping Yoochan’s erect penis.

“Ugh, huh…!”

Yoochan’s breath quickened at the touch. Jungeol softly licked Yoochan’s chin and kissed him loudly. He looked intently at Yoochan as he slowly moved his lips down to his neck.

Yoochan’s Adam’s apple bobbed nervously. Jungeol sucked on Yoochan’s neck and trapped one of his thighs between his legs. Soon, Yoochan’s pants and underwear were pulled down to his knees.

Yoochan’s fully erect penis was exposed between them. As Yoochan took deep, rapid breaths, Jungeol reached for his penis. Anticipating what was to come, Yoochan tensed, and Jungeol bit his collarbone lightly but firmly.

“Huh…ah…”

Instinctively, Yoochan closed his legs and looked at Jungeol with frightened eyes. Jungeol soothingly licked Yoochan’s shoulder and spread his legs with his knee, reaching deeper with his hand.

“Ah…!”

As Jungeol’s rough hand touched Yoochan’s intimate area, Yoochan’s hips jerked up. Jungeol pressed his knee into Yoochan’s other leg to keep him still and touched his entrance. The gentle circling motion made Yoochan grab Jungeol’s shoulder, tensing up and gritting his teeth. Though he looked flustered, there was no sign of displeasure.

Jungeol leaned in and kissed Yoochan reassuringly. The gentle kiss calmed Yoochan slightly, but his abdomen remained tense, and he kept his entrance tightly closed. Jungeol licked Yoochan’s lips and studied his expression carefully.

“…”

Yoochan’s gaze was intense, but his grip was slightly trembling. His breathing was unsteady, and he still clenched his teeth, tensing his stomach and keeping his entrance closed.

Jungeol stroked Yoochan’s short hair and tried to relax his thigh muscles with his other hand. However, Yoochan still gripped Jungeol’s shoulder tightly, keeping his entrance closed. He desired Jungeol intensely but seemed unsure about going all the way.

Jungeol licked his lower lip, seeming disappointed, and rested his forehead on Yoochan’s chest, trying to calm his intense arousal. Suddenly, the hand on his shoulder grabbed his face.

“…More…please.”

At the brief request, Jungeol’s slightly bloodshot eyes met Yoochan’s. Jungeol looked down at Yoochan, his eyebrows slightly furrowed in thought, then leaned in and kissed him. As their lips touched, Yoochan moved his tongue more actively, tickling Jungeol’s lips.

Jungeol felt his head heat up with the desire to penetrate, and he closed his eyes. Though Yoochan initiated the kiss, Jungeol quickly took control.

Jungeol turned his head, holding Yoochan’s nape. As his tongue swept deep into Yoochan’s mouth, Yoochan shivered and wrapped his exposed legs around Jungeol’s thighs.

Jungeol gripped Yoochan’s firm, muscular thighs and buttocks, feeling his erection pressing against his stomach. He moved his hand to the front, ready for more.

Jungeol’s hand grasped Yoochan’s penis, which was pressed against his firm abs. Yoochan stopped moving his tongue, startled. Jungeol gripped Yoochan’s penis tightly and then began to stroke it gently up and down. Even as he stimulated Yoochan’s penis, Jungeol’s tongue continued to tease Yoochan relentlessly.

He touched the sensitive spot under Yoochan’s tongue, rubbed the softest tip, and licked his cheeks and lips, making Yoochan’s penis tremble.

“…Huh…ah…ugh…”

A pitiful moan escaped Yoochan’s lips, wetting Jungeol’s ears. Excited, Jungeol tightened his grip on Yoochan’s penis. Following Jungeol’s movements, Yoochan’s buttocks, which were pressed against the sofa, twitched greatly. Yoochan clung to Jungeol, trying to stimulate his penis by moving his hips.

Jungeol moved his hand from Yoochan’s nape to his armpit, circling and rubbing his protruding nipple with his thumb. Yoochan writhed in discomfort. Jungeol held Yoochan’s penis tightly to prevent him from escaping and bit his lower lip. With a short moan, Yoochan straightened his body and embraced Jungeol. Jungeol rewarded him with a short kiss on the cheek and then rubbed Yoochan’s glans with his thumb.

“Ah…uh…ah, Hyung…”

Feeling a ticklish and imminent sensation of ejaculation, Yoochan cried out. Jungeol stopped his teasing at the sight of Yoochan’s tearful expression and wrapped his arm around Yoochan’s neck, pulling him close. His hand moved shallowly over Yoochan’s penis.

Thud, thud, thud, thud. The sound of Jungeol’s hand hitting Yoochan’s lower abdomen grew faster, and his movements became rhythmic.

“Ah, ah, ugh, ah…!”

Unable to bear the vibrations rising from his lower abdomen, Yoochan clung to Jungeol tightly and moaned.

“Ah, ah, huh…ugh…ah…ah…!”

Yoochan’s voice grew louder, and he furrowed his brow, pulling his knees up. Seeing Yoochan on the verge of ejaculation, Jungeol, who had been pretending to be calm, also felt a throbbing in his throat.

“Ugh…huh…ugh…ah…! Ahh…! Ugh…!”

The sound stimulating his ears, the arm clinging to him tightly, and Yoochan’s struggling expression made the heat gathered in Jungeol’s lower body unbearable. He furrowed his brow.

“Ah, ah, ah…huh…!”

Yoochan tensed his limbs, and soon a lukewarm liquid flowed down Jungeol’s hand. Jungeol narrowed his eyes and slowed his movements. Even as Jungeol watched, semen continued to gush from Yoochan’s glans. Yoochan covered his eyes with his arm and moaned in discomfort.

“Huh…huh…huh…”

Jungeol silently stared at the white liquid soaking Yoochan’s abdomen, thighs, and the sofa, then turned his gaze to the panting Yoochan. Yoochan was still catching his breath, his chest heaving.

Jungeol watched Yoochan, half-naked and exhausted, for a few seconds. Then his gaze slid to the semen covering his hand. The semen seemed very thick. Jungeol rubbed Yoochan’s semen with his fingers and spread Yoochan’s slightly open thighs, straightening his body.

He thought that rubbing this on Yoochan’s tightly closed hole would have a lubricating effect. As Jungeol leaned towards Yoochan with his hand full of semen, Yoochan, who had been covering his face and panting, suddenly sat up and urgently reached for Jungeol’s belt buckle.

“Lie down! I’ll take care of yours too!”

Jungeol let Yoochan struggle with the buckle, and Yoochan suddenly noticed the semen still in Jungeol’s hand and shouted in shock.

“Ah, why do you still have this? Give me your hand. I’ll wipe it.”

Yoochan pulled two tissues from the box on the table and began to wipe the semen from Jungeol’s hand. Jungeol was about to tell Yoochan to wipe the semen from his abdomen and the sofa first but changed his mind and silently watched Yoochan.

Yoochan, his face flushed with embarrassment, avoided Jungeol’s gaze as he wiped his hand. After tossing the used tissue onto the table, he finally noticed the semen on his own body and blushed.

“Ah, damn. That’s a lot.”

Muttering to himself, Yoochan pulled more tissues and wiped the semen from his body and the sofa. Feeling embarrassed about cleaning up while naked, Yoochan quietly picked up his underwear and pants from the floor and put them on.

After getting dressed, Yoochan sat upright on the sofa, hanging his head low. Jungeol raised an eyebrow, puzzled, as Yoochan avoided his gaze the entire time he wiped Jungeol’s hand, cleaned the sofa and himself, and got dressed.

Just as Jungeol was about to say something, Yoochan glanced at him sideways, suddenly grabbed Jungeol’s chin, and forcefully pressed their lips together.

As Jungeol furrowed his brow and opened his mouth to kiss Yoochan properly, Yoochan sat up straight on the sofa and hung his head low, indicating he hadn’t intended to go that far. Jungeol found it amusing and pulled back his lips, saying,

“Baek Yoochan.”

“What?”

Despite his curt tone, Yoochan’s ears were red, and his eyes were flushed, showing his embarrassment.

Jungeol felt a mix of wanting to tease Yoochan and comfort him but ultimately let out a long, relieved sigh. A belated, incredulous laugh escaped him. Now that it was over, the weeks of pretending not to know Yoochan’s feelings and rejecting him, only to end up spending nights together, seemed ridiculous.

Yoochan had quickly become an integral part of Jungeol’s life. Without even realizing it, Jungeol found himself always replying to Yoochan’s messages first and enjoying their long, aimless conversations for the first time. When Yoochan confessed with a trembling voice, Jungeol was surprised by his seriousness, and when their lips touched, he felt drawn to him.

Seeing Yoochan’s sullen expression, Jungeol even fell asleep in a late-night movie theater, exhausted from work. He did things for Yoochan that he wouldn’t do for anyone else and found himself thinking Yoochan was cute every day, though he tried to dismiss it as merely caring for a younger brother. Jungeol was much more satisfied now, realizing that his feelings of affection and love were special and just beginning to blossom.

Noticing Yoochan looked uncomfortable, Jungeol reached out his hand, saying, “Come here.” Just then, Yoochan winced and slightly opened his lips, seeming to be in pain. Seeing his distressed expression, Jungeol furrowed his brow and said,

“Come here.”

As Jungeol lifted Yoochan’s windbreaker collar, Yoochan jumped up and said,

“Ah, why? It’s nothing.”

“Don’t move.”

Jungeol sternly admonished Yoochan and examined his back. The area where he had recently gotten a tattoo was red and swollen from friction. Jungeol clicked his tongue and said,

“…Let’s go downstairs. I’ll put some ointment on it.”

Yoochan nodded sullenly and stood up. Jungeol, seeing Yoochan’s chest still exposed, gestured to him.

“Stand here.”

Yoochan, following the instruction, watched as Jungeol carefully zipped up his windbreaker to his neck. Embarrassed, Yoochan said, “Ah, come on…I’m fine,” wiping his eyes with the back of his hand.

Jungeol took Yoochan to the bathroom, washed his hands, wet a towel to clean his body, helped him change clothes, and then they went outside. Walking a step ahead, Jungeol pressed the elevator button and turned to look at Yoochan. Yoochan followed slowly, hands in his pockets, looking at the floor. Seeing Yoochan’s uncomfortable expression, Jungeol tilted his head and studied his face.

Yoochan bit his lip and furrowed his brow, looking uncomfortable. It seemed like he was in pain from the swollen tattoo, but more than that, he looked confused.

Jungeol noticed Yoochan stealing glances at him, seeming to struggle with the reality of what had just happened and Jungeol’s sudden actions.

Not knowing where to start explaining, Jungeol ran his hand through his hair and furrowed his brow just as the elevator doors opened. He held the door open and looked at Yoochan, who entered the elevator still looking puzzled. Jungeol followed him in, and as the doors closed, Yoochan, who had been deep in thought, finally spoke up.

“Hyung.”

Jungeol, about to press the button for the second floor, lowered his arm and looked at Yoochan, leaning against the handrail.

“You know…”

“Yeah?”

Yoochan hesitated for a few seconds, then asked seriously,

“Is this just a one-night stand or something?”

“…What?”

Surprised by Yoochan’s abrupt question, Jungeol was at a loss for words. Yoochan, looking dejected, added,

“I mean, we haven’t even properly confessed to each other, and if this is the end with Hyung, I’ll feel wronged.”

Thinking it was an exaggerated joke, Jungeol saw Yoochan’s dark expression and realized he was serious. Jungeol touched his forehead and said, “No, it’s not.” Yoochan raised an eyebrow and asked,

“If it’s not a one-night stand, then what is it?”

Jungeol lowered his arm, thinking about how to explain, and looked at Yoochan. Yoochan, frowning, stared intently at Jungeol and suddenly seemed to realize something. With a surprised expression, he asked,

“Are we…dating?”

At the innocent question, Jungeol closed his lips, then opened them to reply.

“Yeah.”

“…Why?”

“…”

“What? Why?”

“…I wanted to see you.”

“Do you like me?”

Caught off guard by the relentless questions, Jungeol narrowed his eyes and thought for a moment before saying,

“Yeah, I think so.”

“Ah…”

Yoochan looked surprised, then slowly smiled.

“Wow. You should have told me sooner.”

Despite his flustered tone, Yoochan’s face showed a mix of shock and joy. Seeing this, Jungeol’s tense expression softened. Yoochan, grinning with his teeth showing, turned his head to face forward and replied,

“Well, if we’re dating, that’s fine.”

A suppressed laugh mixed with his words. Seeing Yoochan’s ears turn red, Jungeol pressed the button for the second floor. As the elevator, which had been stationary, began to move, Yoochan watched the decreasing numbers and suddenly asked,

“But is that normal?”

“What is?”

“Putting your hand down someone’s pants before even asking them out.”

Jungeol’s expression contorted in surprise. Yoochan furrowed his brow as if struggling and replied,

“It was fucking shocking. I’ve never seen anyone put their hand down someone’s pants like that. You should have given me a heads-up.”

Jungeol, realizing Yoochan’s age, rubbed his cheek and said,

“If you didn’t like it, you should have said so. I would have stopped.”

“Ah, who said I didn’t like it? I was just surprised.”

Yoochan quickly waved his hand and said firmly,

“I had to pretend I wasn’t shocked when Hyung suddenly put his hand down my pants.”

In truth, Jungeol hadn’t planned to go this far today. He had scheduled this to convey his confused feelings to Yoochan and confirm Yoochan’s stance.

The moment their lips touched and he felt Yoochan’s skin, his plan went awry. He realized Yoochan was a first-timer from his stiff movements, but Jungeol intended to go all the way. It was fortunate that his reason returned when he saw Yoochan looking so nervous.

“Wow…damn…the more I think about it…”

Yoochan chattered on, finding it all incredibly surprising.

“Touching that was really shocking. I never thought Hyung would go that far.”

“You mean you never thought about doing it?”

“No, I thought about doing it, but I just imagined us doing this together.”

Yoochan mimicked a masturbatory motion with his hand in front of his crotch, then tilted his head and marveled,

“But wow, going that far…it still gives me chills. Suddenly putting your hand down my pants and touching me there…you were really going to do that, right? Wow, damn. I almost had a heart attack.”

Just as Jungeol was about to scold Yoochan for his crude language, the elevator doors opened. Jungeol swallowed his words and stepped out first. Yoochan followed him, asking,

“But what made you suddenly like me? Not long ago, you told me not to confess, saying it was reckless.”

Feeling guilty about that, Jungeol closed his eyes.

“What? Tell me more. What made you like me? When did you start thinking that way?”

Jungeol, embarrassed, avoided Yoochan’s gaze and let out a long sigh. Looking back, he had always found Yoochan cute and enjoyed their time together. He prioritized comforting Yoochan when he was disappointed about missing a movie over sleeping, and always made time for Yoochan even when he was busy.

He had dismissed his feelings as simple affection for a younger friend, but no one else made him feel that way. If it weren’t for Yoochan’s sincere confession and the sudden kiss while drunk, he might still be mistaking his feelings for friendship.

But saying all this to Yoochan felt embarrassing. Jungeol closed his lips and furrowed his brow. Seeing Jungeol’s troubled expression, Yoochan bent down and looked up at him playfully, asking,

“Is it embarrassing to say these things?”

Jungeol gently pushed Yoochan’s head, blocking his way, and responded.

“Sure.”

Yoochan obediently stepped aside and straightened his back.

“Actually, I feel a bit embarrassed too. But can we talk holding my shoulder instead of my head? It makes me feel like a cow when you grab my head.”

Jungeol lowered his hand from Yoochan’s head and kindly placed it on his shoulder. While Yoochan, who now had a satisfied expression, pondered whether to hug Jungeol or not, they arrived back at the shop.

“Where have you been? Is your tattoo done?”

The manager looked at them curiously, wondering where they had run off to so suddenly.

“Don’t ask, Noona.”

Yoochan scratched his forehead with an embarrassed look, and Jungeol diverted the conversation by asking when Minseong would arrive. After hearing the time from the manager, Jungeol nodded and lightly squeezed Yoochan’s shoulder.

“Come in. I’ll apply some ointment.”

“Got it. You go in first. I need to use the restroom.”

Yoochan blushed and nodded. He greeted the manager and followed Jungeol. The manager, who had been watching them with a puzzled expression, soon shrugged and returned to looking at her tablet.

“I shouldn’t have rescheduled the appointment.”

Jungeol said while disinfecting Yoochan’s back, who was nervously lying on the bed after taking off his windbreaker. He thought it would be fine to make a late appointment since they just needed a bit of serious conversation. Yoochan, looking regretful, pouted and responded.

“Yeah. You told me not to make any appointments, but you made one yourself.”

As Jungeol quietly laughed, Yoochan quickly relaxed and asked.

“When will it finish? You said it would take one or two hours, right? Can I come down later tonight?”

“Yes, come down.”

As Jungeol replied, Yoochan sheepishly added.

“After we’re done, let’s have an iced tea. It’s the first day, and it would feel a bit sad to part just like that.”

“Sure.”

Jungeol chuckled at the specific drink request and agreed. Yoochan dropped his shoulders in satisfaction and received Jungeol’s tender care. Jungeol, filled with affection, disinfected the almost-completed panther tattoo and Yoochan’s broad shoulders.

After the disinfection was done, Yoochan took off his windbreaker and put on his clothes, asking.

“How much is left on mine now?”

“It’ll finish soon. Since it’s very swollen now, let’s do it in about a week.”

Yoochan nodded at Jungeol’s words and was about to leave when he suddenly looked back as if he remembered something. Seeing Jungeol silently watching him, Yoochan, feeling shy, rubbed his nose with the back of his hand, showed his palm, nodded once, and left awkwardly.

The manager, who was busy handling a customer’s payment, came into view. Yoochan, suddenly remembering, took out his card from his pocket and asked the manager to settle the payment. The manager shook her head and responded.

“Jungeol Oppa told me not to take any money from you.”

“Really? Why?”

“How should I know? He told me this morning. Weren’t you two in on it?”

Yoochan scratched his temple while looking at seat number 1, greeted the manager, and left the shop. He then sat on a chair in the corridor, staring blankly at the wall.

Although his shoes were touching the floor, he felt like he was floating. He was confused if it was a dream or reality. While Yoochan was zoning out, his phone vibrated. Still wearing the same expression, Yoochan checked his phone.

Minseong changed the design, so it will be finished soon. Let’s meet at the convenience store in an hour. Don’t fall asleep first.

Yoochan clutched his phone tightly and bowed his head. After a few seconds in that position, he suddenly started shaking his head and tapping his feet rapidly as if he couldn’t control himself. Then he sprang up like a spring and ran up the stairs. He looked like he had just won the world, smiling ear-to-ear.

To avoid falling asleep for an hour, he showered and cleaned up the mess on the sofa that he hadn’t had time to clear. While doing so, Jungeol contacted him earlier than expected. Despite Jungeol telling him to come down in ten minutes, Yoochan went down first, bought two iced teas, and sat at a table waiting.

After five minutes, Jungeol came down too. Taeho, who was just finishing work, joined them. Yoochan tried to hide his delight and casually moved closer to Jungeol, offering him an iced tea. Taeho, who was heading towards the bus stop, noticed Yoochan sticking close to Jungeol and jokingly asked.

“Yoochan, were you waiting here for Jungeol Hyung? Do you really like Jungeol Hyung that much?”

“What? No, I wasn’t waiting. We just met by chance.”

Yoochan, now embarrassed, pretended to be annoyed. Taeho, who seemed to have been joking, greeted Jungeol and Yoochan and then crossed the street. Yoochan, suddenly reminded by Taeho’s words, glanced at Jungeol and spoke.

“But what will you say to the other hyungs? Manager Noona might be a bit upset if we keep it a secret.”

“Do whatever makes you comfortable.”

Jungeol answered nonchalantly while taking a sip of iced tea. Yoochan, feeling frustrated, let out a grumble.

“Ah, I just don’t want Hyung to get into trouble.”

“Who’s going to trouble me? I’m the boss.”

Jungeol said with a laughing expression while sipping through the straw.

“Oh…right, that’s true. But still, I think it’s best to keep an eye on things for now.”

Almost convinced, Yoochan replied with a serious expression.

“Noona and the hyungs might be a bit startled. My friends would be surprised too. Can I keep it a secret and tell them myself when I’m ready? Until then, we should be careful around others.”

“Do that.”

Jungeol agreed, taking a sip of iced tea. Yoochan, encouraged by Jungeol’s permission, determinedly made a serious face, but soon smiled as their eyes met.

The next morning, after Jungeol had spent a short time with Yoochan and returned home, Taeho, who was lying on the floor playing with his phone, suddenly sprang up and said.

“Hyung, it looks like Yoochan got a girlfriend!”

Jungeol, doubting his ears, turned his head. Taeho showed his phone with a triumphant look. Under the name Baek Yoochan, a Facebook page was displayed. There was a post from ten minutes ago that was undoubtedly written by Yoochan.

“Fortune favors the brave. Hahaha.”

Jungeol took the phone from Taeho and slowly scrolled down. Comments from Yoochan’s friends and Yoochan’s replies were appearing in real time.

Park Jinhong: Really? Are you serious?

Baek Yoochan: Don’t say the name, you crazy guy.

Jung Jaemin: What? Did Baek Yoochan get a girlfriend?

Baek Yoochan: Hyung, I’ll tell you at the lab later.

Jeong Daehan: You said you broke up. Are you back together?

Baek Yoochan: Haha, I don’t know.

Kim Yejin: Baek Yoochan, what’s this? Who is it? Someone from our department?

Baek Yoochan: No, it’s a secret. Message me if you’re curious.

Lee Gikang: Oh, congrats!

Baek Yoochan: Haha, thanks.

Kim Chaewon: Yoochan, did you get a girlfriend? Haha.

Baek Yoochan: Haha, Noona, message me if you’re curious!

Lee Taeho: Yoochan! Are you in a relationship?

Baek Yoochan: Taeho Hyung, message me if you’re curious!

“Wow, seriously.”

Taeho, sounding frustrated, complained after reading Yoochan’s reply.

“Why do kids these days post vague things on SNS and then tell people to message them if they’re curious? It’s so frustrating. I can’t stand it. I need to ask.”

Taeho, frowning, quickly opened the messenger and contacted Yoochan.

Lee Taeho: Yoochan, what’s up with your Facebook? Are you in a relationship?

Less than ten seconds later, Yoochan replied.

Baek Yoochan: Hyung, haha, yes, I’m in a relationship. But it’s really a secret. Don’t tell anyone.

Taeho, with a surprised look, handed his phone to Jungeol. Jungeol, seeing Yoochan’s innocent reply, silently chuckled while drying his hair with a towel.

* * *

“Yoochan, I heard you got a girlfriend. Congrats.”

As soon as he arrived at the tattoo shop after judo practice, the manager said to Yoochan. Yoochan, who was greeting with a judo uniform slung over one shoulder, looked surprised at the words. Jaehyeok and Jinwoo, who were resting on the sofa, also waved at Yoochan and congratulated him as if they already knew. Yoochan spotted Taeho coming out of the restroom and shouted in surprise.

“Oh, Taeho Hyung! You spread the rumor, didn’t you? I told you it was a secret! This is top secret!”

Taeho, who was drying his hands with a towel, shook his hands vigorously.

“What are you talking about, man? I only told Jungeol Hyung a little.”

“Yoochan, I found out from Facebook too. Taeho didn’t tell me.”

The manager laughed and defended Taeho. Yoochan scratched his forehead awkwardly and raised his eyebrows.

“Ah, this is really not good. It’s a secret. Hyungs, Manager Noona, don’t tell anyone, okay? It’s really a secret.”

The manager laughed heartily at Yoochan’s words and patted the seat next to her, signaling him to come over. Yoochan glanced at Jungeol’s seat, which seemed to be still occupied, and then put down his judo uniform and sat next to the manager. The manager asked with a curious expression.

“So, is it a school friend? Same age?”

“Not a school friend, and a few years older than me.”

“Wow, Baek Yoochan. You’re dating someone older? Impressive.”

“Well, it just happened that way.”

Yoochan, embarrassed by Taeho’s compliment, touched his nose and smiled.

“Do you have a photo? Let me see.”

“No, I don’t have a photo. We’re dating in secret. I didn’t plan to announce it.”

“But you hinted at it all over Facebook. Even your status message changed to a heart.”

“Oh, the heart was just because it looked pretty.”

Yoochan blushed and answered Taeho’s teasing.

“Why are you dating in secret?”

Jinwoo, who seemed curious, pulled up a chair and sat down.

“Just because. I’m still a bit shy.”

Yoochan frowned and gave a vague answer.

“I was tired today because of that. The judo hyungs teased me, asking if I was dating a married woman because I couldn’t show a photo of my older girlfriend. I was so annoyed. Anyway, I’ll introduce her to Noona and the hyungs later.”

“Really? We get to meet her too? That’s great.”

“Later. Don’t be too surprised when you see her.”

“Why would we be surprised? Is it someone we know? A customer of our shop?”

“It’s a secret. I’ll tell you later.”

While Yoochan was scratching his neck and smiling slyly, Jungeol and a customer came out from seat number 1.

“Hyung, I’m here.”

Yoochan, making eye contact with Jungeol, slightly raised his hand and greeted him with a small smile. Jungeol softened his gaze at Yoochan, then quickly erased his expression and saw the customer off.

As the customer left and Jungeol was looking for a cigarette in the bag hanging on the counter chair, the manager suddenly remembered something.

“Oh, Oppa. There’s someone who was supposed to get a full-body tattoo tomorrow. The one who said he composes music.”

“Yeah, why?”

Jungeol turned around with a lighter and cigarette in hand. The manager, looking regretful, furrowed her eyebrows and said.

“His girlfriend is strongly opposed, so he’s only getting his back done. You know, the wolf on the left chest? He’s moving it to his back and canceling everything else.”

“…I see.”

Seeing Jungeol’s furrowed brows, Yoochan tilted his head in confusion. Jungeol had always seemed to prioritize customer satisfaction and his own over money. He never showed any displeasure or disappointment when customers changed their minds or canceled appointments late. Yoochan wondered if the customer was someone Jungeol knew, as it was unusual to see him openly disappointed. Taeho spoke up.

“Hyung, you must be really disappointed. It was your dream to cover someone from head to toe with your work. This is the second time it’s fallen through.”

“No matter how skilled Jungeol Oppa is, a full-body tattoo is a big commitment. Even as a tattoo artist, I wouldn’t consider anything above the neck. It feels too intrusive.”

“Hey, Min Yesul. What’s wrong with above the neck?”

Jaehyeok, who had blackwork tattoos on his earlobes and temples, retorted. The manager laughed and waved her hand.

“No, Oppa. Other areas can be hidden with a turtleneck or gloves, but it’s hard to hide the face. It takes a lot of guts. Maybe for small, cute tattoos, but not for big ones.”

“You’ve had your eyebrows tattooed twice.”

“Oh, Oppa! Is that the same as this?”

While Jaehyeok and the manager were bickering, Jinwoo suddenly remembered something and asked Yoochan.

“Yoochan, is your panther tattoo finished?”

Yoochan shook his head.

“There’s still a bit left. Jungeol Hyung will finish it in a few days.”

“I saw it briefly yesterday, and it looked like the panther was done.”

The manager chimed in. Jinwoo smiled and urged Yoochan.

“Show it off. Jungeol Hyung is really good at drawing wild animals. It would suit your body well.”

“Should I show it for a moment then?”

Feeling pleased with Jinwoo’s compliment, Yoochan glanced at the female manager and then turned his body, lifting the bottom of his T-shirt. His waist muscles, which ran prominently from side to side, were revealed first. Just as the onlookers were surprised by his more defined muscles than expected, a voice came from the direction of the balcony smoking room.

“Baek Yoochan.”

“Yes?”

Yoochan lowered his shirt, which he had lifted to his nipples, and turned to Jungeol. Jungeol opened the smoking room door and gestured with his chin for Yoochan to come in.

“Come in.”

“Okay! Jinwoo Hyung, I’ll show you the tattoo after it’s finished.”

Yoochan hurriedly lowered his T-shirt and said. Leaving Jinwoo, who nodded in confusion, Yoochan followed Jungeol into the smoking room with a happy expression.

“Stay there.”

Jungeol, with a cigarette in his mouth, pointed to a chair near the entrance with his chin. It was the farthest spot from the ventilation fan. Yoochan, still adjusting his crumpled T-shirt, obediently sat in the chair and asked.

“Why?”

Yoochan looked at Jungeol with bright eyes, as if ready to hear anything.

“Is it a secret talk?”

It seemed Yoochan thought Jungeol had something to say. Jungeol squinted his eyes and lit his cigarette. He couldn’t bring himself to say that he didn’t like Yoochan taking off his shirt in front of the female manager. Feeling ridiculous for trying to control Yoochan right after they started dating, Jungeol shook his head and made an excuse.

“I just called you to chat.”

Yoochan’s cheeks flushed at the bland words, and he replied with a short “Oh.” Jungeol raised his eyebrows and asked.

“Is your shoulder still hurting?”

“It’s fine. It calmed down a bit this morning.”

Jungeol nodded in relief. Yoochan, as if remembering something, asked.

“But the background line you drew, I tried on a shirt today, and it doesn’t show. Can you extend it up to the neck?”

Jungeol, who had deliberately drawn the background small because he didn’t want the still-student Yoochan to have noticeable tattoos, frowned. Yoochan, unaware of Jungeol’s thoughts, kept pleading.

“Please make it visible, even a little. There’s no point in getting a tattoo if it doesn’t show.”

“…Let’s keep the current line for now, and if you’re still not satisfied, we can extend it later.”

Despite Jungeol’s persuasion, Yoochan grumbled in disappointment.

“Then how can I show it off to others right away? I can’t always go around shirtless.”

“Do you really need to show it off?”

“Of course. This isn’t just any tattoo. It’s a masterpiece by Jet Black, the Instagram star with 480,000 followers.”

Jungeol chuckled as he exhaled cigarette smoke, and Yoochan muttered with determination.

“Damn…I’ll have to wear a deep V-neck that shows everything, or go to school in a dad’s tank top with a completely stretched-out neck.”

Imagining Yoochan actually going to school half-naked, Jungeol was at a loss for words and kept silent. Yoochan suddenly changed the topic and asked.

“By the way, Hyung. I heard you told Manager Noona not to take my money?”

Jungeol looked at Yoochan with a cigarette in his mouth. Yoochan furrowed his brows and added.

“Why won’t you take my money? Take it. I have plenty of money.”

“It’s fine. Since Manager worked hard to schedule your appointments, buy her a meal instead.”

“Oh, that’s a given. I want to do something for you too, Hyung.”

Jungeol leaned on the railing, not seeming to want to take any money, and kept silent. He had always planned to do the tattoo for free, impressed by Yoochan’s determination to fulfill a promise made two years ago and his stubborn daily attendance. Moreover, they were now unexpectedly in a relationship. Jungeol didn’t want to exchange cash with Yoochan, unless it was a gift.

“I want to do something for you too, Hyung.”

Realizing that Jungeol had no intention of taking money, Yoochan stood up from the chair and mumbled as he stood next to Jungeol. Jungeol, finding Yoochan endearing, smiled softly, and Yoochan suddenly spoke.

“Hyung, I heard from Taeho Hyung earlier. Is it your dream to do a full-body tattoo?”

“Well, sort of.”

Although he answered nonchalantly, Jungeol’s dream was to cover a model from head to toe with his artwork, like Rick Genest.

There were plenty of applicants willing to get tattoos below the neck, but Jungeol wanted a literal “full-body” tattoo. The composer who had just canceled his appointment had agreed to get a helmet-shaped tattoo on his forehead and half of his face after thorough consultation and had even shaved his head.

The composer was already successful in the industry, so there was no concern about employment disadvantages, and he was confident in his decision, which had excited Jungeol for the first time in a while. However, it seemed he had faced strong opposition from his fiancée.

As a tattoo artist, it was a disappointing outcome, but Jungeol respected the client’s choice. While Jungeol was clicking his tongue in disappointment, Yoochan suddenly asked.

“Should I do it then?”

Jungeol’s calm expression hardened. Yoochan, not noticing Jungeol’s frowning forehead, continued excitedly.

“If I get a tattoo on my face like Jaehyeok Hyung, it would look so cool and…”

“Yoochan.”

Jungeol interrupted Yoochan before he could finish, sighing and placing his hand on Yoochan’s head. Yoochan, understanding the rejection from Jungeol’s serious expression, pouted and leaned on the railing.

“I want to do something for you too, Hyung. You won’t take money, and you won’t let me get a full-body tattoo…And I was the only one who did that back then. I wanted to do something like that for you too.”

It seemed Yoochan still felt guilty about handling it alone. Although it was a bit disappointing not to go all the way, Jungeol had found it somewhat enjoyable. He flicked the ash from his cigarette into the ashtray and spoke.

“So, you want to do something for me?”

“Of course.”

Yoochan quickly replied. Jungeol, who had been gently stroking Yoochan’s hair like a cat’s fur, lowered his hand and firmly grasped Yoochan’s shoulder. The hand that had been holding his shoulder neutrally was now rubbing Yoochan’s body with intent. Feeling a strange sensation, Yoochan glanced nervously at the entrance and spoke.

“Isn’t there a CCTV in the shop?”

“There’s none in this smoking room.”

“Oh.”

The absence of CCTV made Yoochan’s thoughts even more suggestive. Yoochan, unsure if he was being lewd or if Jungeol’s touch was lewd, met Jungeol’s gaze.

Jungeol, seemingly without any particular thoughts, smiled brightly and lightly touched Yoochan’s chin with the back of his hand.

“Shall I come over after we’re done?”

“Really? That sounds great. But…”

Yoochan, who had been smiling at the thought of meeting Jungeol at night, suddenly remembered something and lowered his gaze.

“Are we going all the way today?”

Jungeol, who had only planned to see Yoochan briefly like the previous day, furrowed his brows in confusion.

“What?”

“Right? You’re planning to use the snake, aren’t you? Damn, Hyung, but that’s a bit much, isn’t it? Your thing is a bit…a bit much…I’m still not 18 yet…That’s a bit much. It’s child abuse.”

Yoochan’s voice gradually faded as he gained confidence from Jungeol’s silence. Jungeol, at a loss for words, stared at Yoochan for a moment before noticing the smoke drifting towards Yoochan and extinguishing his cigarette.

“Not today.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

Jungeol, who had no intention of doing anything until the tattooed area healed, reassured Yoochan, who finally relaxed his expression.