Black & Grey Vol. 3 Chapter 5

Jungeol found the explicit evaluation more embarrassing than satisfying. Feeling awkward, he changed the subject to judo.

“What time does the competition start?”

“Nine o’clock. I have to be there a bit earlier.”

“All the athletes have a special skill. Do you have one too?”

“Want me to show you?”

Excited to talk about judo, Yoochan quickly forgot his naughty thoughts and hugged Jungeol’s neck, applying a pinning technique. As the bed shook, Gaang quietly moved away and lay down on the floor.

“Ah, it’s no fun if you go easy on me. Use your strength properly. I think you’d be good at judo if you learned, Hyung.”

Realizing that Jungeol wasn’t using his full strength, Yoochan complained. Even though they were on a soft surface and Jungeol could easily get up, he pretended to struggle a few times, letting Yoochan’s technique work.

Just as Yoochan, determined, was about to apply the technique properly by putting his leg over Jungeol’s back, the sleeve of Jungeol’s robe loosened and slipped down to his forearm. Yoochan noticed the snake tattoo on Jungeol’s arm and stopped moving.

“Why?”

Seeing Yoochan stop, Jungeol turned his head towards him and asked. Yoochan looked away from the snake, lowered his leg from Jungeol’s back, and rested his head beside Jungeol’s face. Jungeol, seeing Yoochan’s expectant expression, sat up and looked down at him.

“Hyung, do you really not like couple tattoos?”

“Bolt and nut? No way.”

Without a moment’s hesitation, Jungeol’s cold response made Yoochan grumble.

“Another tattoo artist might come up with the bolt and nut design first and make it popular. I’m warning you in advance. Don’t regret it later when someone else takes the idea.”

“Sure.”

Jungeol, thinking it was unlikely, chuckled and kissed Yoochan’s neck. As Yoochan sighed softly, a serious voice echoed in his ear.

“Let’s think about it carefully.”

Yoochan, feeling ticklish, squinted one eye and looked down at Jungeol.

“And if we do it…”

Jungeol lifted his lips from Yoochan’s throat, sat up, and looked down at him.

“I won’t regret it, but what about you?”

“…I won’t regret it either.”

“Are you sure you won’t regret it even if we break up?”

Jungeol’s voice was serious. As a tattoo artist who rarely regretted anything, it didn’t matter to him, but for Yoochan, who was only twenty and still a student, a couple tattoo might become a scar he’d want to erase. Jungeol didn’t want that, so he asked firmly, but surprisingly, Yoochan wasn’t fazed.

“Come on, I’m not going to break up with you, Hyung. Who says so?”

Yoochan, finding the idea absurd, frowned and shouted.

“How long have we been dating, and you’re already talking about breaking up? That’s really disappointing. You know you have to wait for me while I’m in the army, right?”

Even the thought of breaking up seemed to upset Yoochan, who hugged Jungeol tightly and babbled. Jungeol, hearing Yoochan’s thoughtless words, finally buried his face in Yoochan’s chest and shook with laughter.

“Who said you could laugh?”

Yoochan, speaking in a scolding tone, didn’t understand why Jungeol was laughing and grumbled, resting his chin on Jungeol’s shoulder.

“Don’t talk about breaking up. You’d be lucky to keep me, Hyung.”

Trying to hide his hurt feelings, Yoochan thought about the tattoo machine hidden in his room and the pigskin he practiced on, carving “Cho Jungeol” whenever he had the chance, and felt upset.

“Don’t say we won’t break up.”

Jungeol, softened by Yoochan’s affectionate plea, spoke in a gentler voice.

“Let’s talk about it when you’re sure you won’t regret it even if we break up. I’ll consider it then.”

Yoochan, unwilling to agree, didn’t respond. His expression was full of dissatisfaction. As Jungeol gently pushed Yoochan away, Yoochan suddenly spoke.

“I’m doing it because I like you now. How can I think about the future?”

“Like when you came to get your girlfriend’s face tattooed?”

“Ah…! But it’s different now. I like you more than I liked Eunbit. And why are you only saying this to me? Hyung, you might regret breaking up with me too. And even if it’s not a couple tattoo, you might regret some of the tattoos you have on your body someday.”

Yoochan looked straight into Jungeol’s eyes, frowning. Jungeol found Yoochan’s whining amusing and smiled, leaning back against the cushion.

“You said you didn’t regret getting Dahee Noona’s lettering. That’s because you know Dahee Noona will eventually cover it up beautifully when she gets more skilled, right?”

Instead of answering, Jungeol reached out and patted the pillow next to him. Taking this as an invitation to lie down comfortably, Yoochan hesitated for a moment before rolling over and lying on top of Jungeol.

“Do you remember the tattoo artist I met in Milan?”

Jungeol wrapped his arms around Yoochan’s back and asked. Yoochan remembered the bearded Italian who had tattooed the beautiful piece on Jungeol’s back and taught him the art of tattooing. Yoochan nodded.

“Why?”

“I went to America because I wanted to get a tattoo from an artist better than him. Two or three years ago, he was the most famous.”

Jungeol continued, stroking Yoochan’s back.

“About six months later, my skills improved. Now there are many skilled artists here in Korea too.”

The tattoo that covered his back was once a black-and-gray masterpiece by the world’s best tattoo artist, but now, with many skilled artists around, it’s relatively ordinary. Yoochan rested his chin on Jungeol’s chest and said.

“Have you ever regretted not getting a tattoo from a better artist?”

“No.”

“How come?”

“I accept it as my choice at that moment. The tattoo on my back is the work of someone I respected the most three years ago…”

Jungeol pulled Yoochan’s arm closer, showing the snake under his elbow.

“And this is the work of my diligent apprentice from last year.”

Jungeol told Yoochan that it didn’t matter if Dahee covered the lettering with a snake, skull, or spider. He wouldn’t have minded if she didn’t cover it up at all.

He had given his elbow as practice for his apprentice from the start. Since Yoochan wanted a snake, they went with that, but the image didn’t matter to Jungeol.

Even if the tattoo became outdated, wrinkled, faded with age, or if his relationship with the person who did the tattoo ended poorly, the good meaning he had in the past wouldn’t disappear.

Yoochan looked at the sharp eyes of the snake and then lifted his head. He spoke to Jungeol, who was stroking his cheek with the back of his hand.

“Do you think you wouldn’t regret getting a tattoo with me, Hyung?”

“Yes.”

“Even if… even if we break up?”

“Yes. What about you?”

Yoochan, with a sulky expression, muttered.

“I hate talking about breaking up with you, Hyung… but if we did, I honestly think I would regret it. I’d want to get it removed with a laser.”

Jungeol laughed and brushed Yoochan’s hair at his honest words. Yoochan, contemplating with a serious expression, shook his head vigorously and leaned his cheek against Jungeol’s chest.

“Ugh, I don’t know. I’ll think about it a bit more. I haven’t canceled it yet. It’s on hold, on hold. Got it?”

Relieved that he had convinced Yoochan, Jungeol tilted his head, noticing Yoochan’s gloomy expression. But in just three seconds, Yoochan’s thick eyebrows shot up, and he spoke excitedly.

“Hyung, then how about couple rings? Or couple T-shirts? Ah, but those are too obvious. I want something discreet. Oh, Hyung, what do you think of this? I found something.”

Squirming on top of Jungeol, Yoochan found his phone, tapped the screen, and handed it to Jungeol. Jungeol frowned and answered seriously.

“Couple rings might be better.”

“Ah, but we’re dating in secret, so couple rings are a bit too much. Isn’t this cool? Not cool, but stylish, stylish.”

Jungeol, looking at the screen, frowned unconsciously. Yoochan, not noticing Jungeol’s increasingly stern expression, enthusiastically introduced the item.

“I tried to find something with a lion and a leopard, but there wasn’t one with just a leopard. So I settled for an eagle. Wouldn’t this be perfect as our couple item?”

Jungeol gently took Yoochan’s hand and phone, placing them slowly on the mattress, and spoke kindly.

“Let’s choose a different design.”

Yoochan, who had been grinning, averted his eyes.

“Okay?”

Jungeol asked again for confirmation, but Yoochan still didn’t respond. Seeing Yoochan’s increasingly awkward expression, Jungeol asked, almost in disbelief.

“…Did you already buy it?”

“What?”

Yoochan, startled, shook his head.

“Oh, it hasn’t arrived yet! I’ll check if I can cancel the order, and if not, I’ll return it right away!”

Jungeol rubbed his forehead, looking troubled. Yoochan, noticing Jungeol’s reaction, quietly snuggled up to him and said.

“But it wasn’t expensive. Can’t we just wear it? I think you’d look really sexy in it, Hyung.”

Jungeol didn’t respond. He wasn’t the type to enjoy dressing up, and he couldn’t imagine wearing the tight lion and eagle print underwear that clung to the mannequin’s lower half. He also couldn’t promise not to laugh if he saw Yoochan wearing it.

“Return it.”

Jungeol said, pulling Yoochan’s phone.

“Why! No…! Let’s try it on first and then decide…! It might look surprisingly good…!”

Yoochan, determined, pulled back, trying to keep the phone. As he stretched his arm to protect the phone, Jungeol grabbed his wrist and pulled him closer.

“Why won’t you even try it on…! I think you’d look great in lion underwear, Hyung…! I need to post this on Lovestagram…! Ah, Hyung…! Hyung…!”

Despite his struggles, it was futile. After a brief tussle, Jungeol finally took the phone from Yoochan, who watched sorrowfully as the lion and eagle underwear was returned. Yoochan buried his face in the mattress, feeling dejected.

“Cheer up. I bought something else.”

Jungeol’s comforting words made Yoochan lift his head. Glancing at Jungeol’s phone, Yoochan smiled slightly. Unable to bear Yoochan’s continued sulking after returning the lion-printed underwear, Jungeol had reluctantly ordered a more neutral design from another brand.

“See? It’s better to discuss these things. Don’t just buy whatever you see.”

Jungeol put down the phone and rubbed his temples. He was relieved to put an end to the couple’s underwear saga. Matching underwear was something Jungeol couldn’t understand, but wearing gray-banded black underwear was a hundred times better than having a roaring lion on his groin.

“I was going to show you and discuss it with you, Hyung.”

Jungeol, stroking Yoochan’s head, checked the time and slowly sat up. Yoochan, looking disappointed, sat up too and asked.

“Are you leaving?”

“Yeah, Min Yesul is on vacation today, so I need to take calls. You have a break, right? Are you staying home?”

“I need to stop by the judo gym and then go home. My mom wants to have dinner tonight. If I eat home-cooked food, my diet will be ruined. It’s a disaster.”

“Are you staying over?”

Jungeol asked. Yoochan, sitting, frowned as if contemplating.

“If you’re staying over tonight, Hyung, I’ll just have dinner with my parents and come back quickly. If you’re not staying, I’ll spend the night at home and go to school tomorrow.”

Understanding Yoochan’s unspoken plea for him to stay, Jungeol smiled silently. Yoochan, looking shy, nudged Jungeol’s shoulder with his own and asked.

“Are you coming over tonight too?”

“Yeah, I’ll come.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

Jungeol answered calmly, standing up.

“Okay. Then I’ll just have dinner and come back early.”

Yoochan added with a smile, standing up and taking off his robe. Suddenly, he seemed to remember something and put on his pajama shirt, looking at Jungeol.

As Yoochan suddenly fell silent, Jungeol, leaning on the railing, turned around. Sitting on the edge of the mattress, Yoochan had unbuttoned three buttons of his pajama shirt, exposing his well-defined chest. Jungeol tilted his head in confusion as Yoochan’s cheeks gradually turned red.

“Do that again for me.”

Yoochan spoke first before Jungeol could pull his lips away.

“…Undoing the buttons with your mouth.”

“…….”

“I just want to see it again.”

Feeling embarrassed after saying it himself, Yoochan lowered his gaze and bit his lower lip firmly. Jungeol raised an eyebrow and knelt on the floor with one knee. Then, he placed his hands on the mattress on either side of Yoochan’s hips and lowered his head.

As Jungeol’s tongue and lips touched his solar plexus, Yoochan held his breath and looked down at Jungeol’s head. Jungeol easily undid one button and pushed Yoochan’s shoulder with his arm.

Obeying, Yoochan lay down and looked up at the ceiling, swallowing hard. He could feel Jungeol’s warm breath above his navel. His heart was pounding so hard it felt like it might burst, and just then, Jungeol’s fingertips slipped into his pajama pants. Yoochan gasped, and Jungeol said,

“…Just the buttons?”

Yoochan closed his eyes tightly and shook his head vigorously. From the moment Jungeol knelt in front of him, Yoochan’s body was already on fire. With a soft smile from his lover, the pajama pants were pulled down. A suppressed moan escaped Yoochan’s lips.

“Your hair is messed up.”

At Jungeol’s words, Yoochan looked at his reflection in the elevator mirror and fixed his hair. Jungeol, standing at an angle, looked at Yoochan’s still slightly flushed face and added,

“Wipe the saliva off your lips.”

Jungeol used the back of his hand to wipe away the traces of their rough kiss from Yoochan’s lips.

Yoochan obediently let Jungeol fix his appearance, then looked up at him in wonder. Both of them had been engaged in intimate activities since morning and had rushed out, but while Yoochan looked disheveled, Jungeol appeared neat and composed, ready for a job interview.

“Is it okay now? Does it look weird?”

Yoochan asked, looking up at Jungeol. Jungeol, still fixing Yoochan’s messy hair, softly replied, “Yeah, you look handsome.” Yoochan smiled happily.

As soon as the elevator doors opened on the second floor where the shop was, Yoochan rushed out and hugged Jungeol tightly around the waist.

“Hyung, thank you for being with me.”

Caught off guard, Jungeol stumbled back a few steps, feeling like a bullfighter hit by a bull. He patted Yoochan’s shoulder.

“…Yeah, me too.”

Yoochan, reluctant to let go, rested his head on Jungeol’s shoulder before quickly stepping back into the elevator and waving.

“See you tonight for dinner! I’ll call you!”

As the elevator doors closed with Yoochan inside, Jungeol’s eyebrows furrowed. The impact had left his ribs and armpit feeling bruised and sore. Rubbing his side, Jungeol turned to head towards the shop but suddenly felt someone’s gaze.

A man standing on the opposite side of the elevator was looking at Jungeol with a astonished expression, holding a coffee in each hand. Jungeol lowered his hand from his side and casually asked,

“How long have you been there?”

“Since the elevator door opened,” the man replied stiffly. Jungeol nodded towards the shop and said,

“Let’s go in.”

“Taeho said you stayed out all night yesterday.”

“Yeah.”

“Jinwoo was really interested, asking if you finally got a girlfriend.”

“Is that so?”

“Did Yoochan stay over at your place?”

Thinking of Yoochan’s request to keep it a secret for now, Jungeol hesitated to answer. However, the decision didn’t take long. If the man had seen them since the elevator door opened, his question was not out of suspicion but certainty.

“Yeah, something like that.”

At Jungeol’s calm response, the man, Jaehyeok, also calmed down. Jaehyeok handed one of the coffees to Jungeol and asked,

“This kid, talking about it like it’s someone else’s business. Ha… I’m too shocked to even be surprised. Baek Yoochan and Cho Jungeol, who would’ve thought?”

Jaehyeok muttered, taking a sip of his coffee through the straw, then curiously asked,

“When did you start liking guys? No, before that, I’ve never seen you being so touchy-feely. You usually hate being clung to like a kid.”

Jungeol took a sip of his coffee through the straw and answered.

“I like it.”

“What?”

Jaehyeok stopped in his tracks, frowning as if he had heard something unbelievable. Jungeol calmly replied with a hint of a smile in his voice.

“It’s cute.”

Leaving Jaehyeok with a twisted expression, Jungeol walked ahead. When they arrived at the shop, the Manager was lounging on the sofa, and Taeho was sitting across from her, drinking iced coffee.

“Hyung! You’re here?”

“You’re late today.”

“Yeah, the morning appointment got postponed.”

Jungeol put his bag down on the seat across from the Manager and asked.

“Aren’t you on vacation today?”

“Yeah, but I heard a rumor that Oppa got a girlfriend, so I rushed over to hear the story. I’m busy, so spill it. Who is it?”

At the Manager’s words, Jungeol leaned on the back of the sofa and looked down at Taeho. Taeho, who had been idly tapping his coffee ice with a straw, finally laughed awkwardly under Jungeol’s persistent gaze.

“Hyung, you never stay out overnight. I’ve only seen you stay out a few times since we’ve lived together… Are you seeing someone? Just be honest.”

“Oppa, you always say we’re like family here at the shop. Why hide a relationship from family? You should formally introduce us.”

Ignoring Taeho and the Manager’s absurd logic, Jungeol reached for his bag. Seeing Jungeol take out a cigarette and lighter, Jaehyeok pulled out a cigarette from his pocket, signaling to go together. The Manager, noticing, suddenly remembered something.

“Jaehyeok Oppa, where’s my coffee?”

“Ask him to buy it. He’s drinking your coffee.”

“That was my coffee. I waited a long time for it.”

“I was so shocked I gave it to him without thinking.”

Jaehyeok shook his head, still not understanding. The Manager widened her eyes and asked.

“Why? What happened?”

“I don’t know. Ask this guy.”

Jaehyeok gestured towards Jungeol, feigning ignorance. Jungeol chuckled and handed his card to the Manager, telling her to buy coffee for the staff. The Manager took the card, then suspiciously looked between Jaehyeok and Jungeol.

“Jungeol Oppa got a girlfriend, and Jaehyeok Oppa isn’t curious?”

“Uh… well, I’m curious too.”

Jaehyeok awkwardly scratched his chin. The Manager’s eyes narrowed sharply.

“What’s going on? Oppa, you know something, don’t you?”

“No.”

“Wow, why did you tell Jaehyeok Hyung but not us?”

“Min Yesul, buy snacks for the staff while you’re at it.”

“Ah, Oppa, don’t change the subject. Jaehyeok Oppa, sit down here.”

Seeing Jaehyeok get caught by the Manager, Jungeol pretended not to hear and went into the smoking room with a cigarette. Just then, Yoochan called.

“Hey.”

Jungeol held the phone with his shoulder, lit the cigarette, and took a drag.

[Hyung, Hyung. Are you smoking again?]

Yoochan’s lively voice came through the noise, indicating he was in a loud place. Jungeol exhaled the smoke and asked.

“How did you know?”

[I can hear the exhaust fan noise.]

“You have sharp ears. Are you at the judo gym?”

[On my way. I’m walking today. Anyway, I just realized something while walking.]

“Yeah.”

[I never said this before.]

“What did you say?”

Soon, a loud clearing of the throat was heard from the phone. Curious about what Yoochan was going to say, Jungeol listened with the cigarette in his mouth. The background noise from the phone disappeared, indicating that Yoochan had moved to a quieter place. Finally, Yoochan spoke in a trembling voice.

“I-I love you, Hyung.”

“……”

“Ah, damn.”

Click.

Before Jungeol could respond, the call ended. Jungeol stood frozen, holding the phone to his ear. Jaehyeok, who had just escaped from the Manager, followed Jungeol into the smoking room. Seeing Jungeol quietly laughing while staring at the blank phone screen, Jaehyeok looked at him as if he were crazy.

At that moment, Yoochan was sitting on the stairs next to the building where the judo gym was located, with his face buried in his arms.

“Yoochan Hyung, hello.”

“Hello.”

High school juniors who had just arrived at the judo gym greeted Yoochan, who was standing at the entrance. Yoochan didn’t lift his head but waved his hand in response. One of the juniors stopped and asked in a concerned voice.

“Yoochan Hyung, what are you doing here? Aren’t you going up?”

“Yeah. You go ahead.”

“You’re not sick, are you?”

Though Yoochan tried to hide his expression, his exposed ears were red, prompting the junior to ask. Yoochan waved his hand and answered in an overly cheerful voice.

“Have you ever seen me sick? I’m fine, so go up and warm up. I’ll be up soon.”

“Okay.”

After the juniors’ footsteps faded away, Yoochan lifted his tomato-red face.

Embarrassment washed over him. He had impulsively said it after hearing a woman passing by the judo gym tell her phone partner that she loved them.

“Why did I stutter?”

Yoochan recalled his stuttering and mimed punching the air before covering his face again. His initial goal was to hear Jungeol say he loved him too, but he couldn’t endure the two or three seconds of agonizing silence and ended the call first.

Maybe he should have waited, even if it was embarrassing. Yoochan muttered regretfully as he stood up. Just then, his phone rang. Thinking it was a notification from his school friends’ group chat, Yoochan checked the message with a disinterested expression.

Me too.

Seeing the short reply, Yoochan’s eyes widened in disbelief, and he bit his lip to hold back tears. But he couldn’t suppress the overwhelming emotion.

Yoochan wiped away the tears with the back of his hand, took a deep breath, and stood on the stairs. Then, with an unmistakably excited demeanor, he climbed the stairs four steps at a time.

After practice, Yoochan went out to eat with his parents, who had come to pick him up from the judo gym. After a satisfying meal, his parents suggested going on an overseas trip during the vacation.

“A trip? Why all of a sudden?”

Surprised by the sudden suggestion, Yoochan raised his thick eyebrows and asked. Yoochan’s mother calmly explained, clasping her hands together. Yoochan, looking flustered, checked the dates on his phone. His expression, which had been excited about meeting Jungeol later that evening, quickly turned serious.

Losing his appetite, Yoochan barely ate and then parted ways with his parents, heading to the school. About an hour later, Jungeol called.

[Are you still having dinner?]

Yoochan, who had been holding something, smiled at Jungeol’s voice and replied.

“I finished earlier. I’m near the school now. I came out to buy something.”

[What is it?]

Yoochan read the title of the book in front of him.

“Self-Study Spanish in One Book.”

[……]

“Self-Study is the Easiest: Chinese Edition.”

[Are you at a bookstore?]

“Yeah. But I’m done now. I’ll head to the shop.”

Yoochan tucked the two books he had just mentioned under his arm and suddenly asked Jungeol.

“Hyung, do you like games?”

[I don’t play often.]

“But you play sometimes, right?”

[Yeah, I play with Taeho sometimes since he likes games.]

“If you play even occasionally, that’s good.”

[To play games?]

Curious about why Yoochan, who had just bought foreign language books, was now talking about games, Jungeol asked. Yoochan hesitated, then said he would explain later.

“See you at the shop, Hyung.”

After ending the call with Jungeol, Yoochan called his friend Jinhong, who loved games the most. He asked which of the most popular games currently was the hardest to level up in.

After finishing his shopping, Yoochan arrived at the shop with his hands full of bags. Taeho, who was at the counter, saw the bags and said.

“Did you buy more tracksuits?”

“No, Hyung. I bought books, not clothes.”

“Wow, our Yoochan is a brainy guy now.”

The Manager, still lounging on the sofa and eating snacks, added playfully.

Yoochan shrugged and looked curiously at seat number 1. The blackout curtains were drawn, indicating someone was inside. When Yoochan turned back to the sofa, the Manager, who had been watching him, raised two fingers and said.

“Jungeol Oppa is at seat number 2 today.”

“Is Jungeol Hyung with a customer?”

Yoochan asked, scratching his neck awkwardly, having been caught in his intentions.

“The customer hasn’t arrived yet. Go ahead.”

Nodding at the Manager, Yoochan pulled back the curtains at seat number 2 and went inside. Jungeol, who was preparing a pillow for a customer, saw Yoochan with the shopping bags and smiled.

“You really bought books? Are you planning to study a foreign language?”

“No? These are for you, Hyung.”

Yoochan confidently placed the shopping bags on the bed. Jungeol put down the wrap and pillow and looked at the bookstore name before reaching into the bag. He pulled out two books.

“Self-Study Spanish in One Book”

“Self-Study is the Easiest: Chinese Edition”

“So… these are gifts for me?”

Jungeol asked for confirmation. Yoochan responded with a big smile.

“Yes. The reviews were good. Hyung is good at English, but knowing other languages could be helpful for work, right?”

Most reservations were made online, except for special cases. Foreign clients from countries including Spain and China also inquired in English, and those who couldn’t speak English used internet translators to inquire in Korean. So Jungeol had no need to learn languages other than English.

As Jungeol was lost for words, Yoochan suddenly told him to flip the book over. Following his instruction, Jungeol found a post-it note with unfamiliar login credentials on the back cover.

Looking at the unfamiliar ID and password, Jungeol glanced at Yoochan for an explanation. Yoochan, sitting across from him, propped his elbows on the bed and supported his chin with his hands as he spoke.

“That’s my Steam ID and password. I’ve bought almost all the popular games today. Since I don’t play games much, feel free to use it.”

Jungeol wasn’t much into gaming either, but seeing Yoochan’s proud expression, he simply said, “Thanks, I’ll use it well.” Yoochan, smiling brightly, suddenly remembered something and said.

“Hold out your hand.”

Jungeol, curious about what unusual gift Yoochan would give next, smiled and extended his hand. Yoochan rummaged through his pants pocket, pulled out something, and placed it in Jungeol’s palm. Jungeol saw a gold tiger eye on a red background and calmly asked.

“Is this a seal?”

“Oh, come on. It’s obviously a ring.”

Jungeol had suspected as much, seeing the round hole at the bottom, but it really was a ring. Holding the unique gift that seemed hard to find, Jungeol silently rubbed his forehead.

“I wanted something unique, not ordinary, and found this.”

Yoochan, excited, took out a similar ring from the opposite pocket and put it on his finger. Jungeol lowered his arm and looked at Yoochan’s ring. Yoochan’s ring had a dragon pattern on a navy background and was so large it covered an entire finger joint. The design was so tacky that even a backstreet gangster would avoid it.

“It’s pure gold, so if you’re ever in a pinch, you can sell it for cash. But remember, this isn’t a couple ring, just a gift, so no returns.”

“…Thanks. It’ll be useful if I need money.”

Jungeol chuckled and put the tiger ring on the same finger as Yoochan.

“But don’t just sell it right away. Only if it’s really urgent, okay?”

“Sure.”

“Hyung, it’ll take a while to see your customer, right? I’ll go to school to meet some seniors for a bit. I’ll come back before you get off work. See you later.”

As Yoochan spoke quickly and stood up as if in a hurry, Jungeol grabbed his wrist to stop him. Yoochan looked down at his wrist in confusion and then looked at Jungeol. Jungeol spoke in a calm voice.

“So, what’s going on? Tell me.”

“What? What’s going on?”

Jungeol frowned as he looked at the books and the post-it notes stuck on them. The strange couple rings might be Yoochan’s taste, but giving foreign language books and a game ID suggested a significant change in his mindset.

“Tell me. It’s okay.”

Jungeol softened his expression and asked again. Yoochan exaggeratedly widened his eyes and shook his head.

“Really, nothing’s going on. I just want to do a lot for you, Hyung. And I have a competition in a few days. I bought some gifts for you because I was feeling anxious, so don’t worry.”

Despite Yoochan’s firm tone, Jungeol looked skeptical but eventually let go of his wrist. Yoochan waved and quickly left.

Riding a taxi to meet his friends and seniors, Yoochan suddenly frowned and took out his phone. The search results he had looked up after dinner with his parents were still on the screen.

I’m 21 years old, and my boyfriend went to the military. How can I make time pass faster?

Scrolling down, he saw various responses.

— Games are the best. My then-boyfriend-now-husband bought me games before he enlisted. I leveled up and cleared dungeons, and before I knew it, he was discharged.

— Spend time on self-improvement. Get certifications, study a foreign language. Time will fly by.

— Are you a fool? Why wait for the military? If you wait, they’ll definitely wear their boots backward as a sergeant.

Yoochan had already given the game ID and foreign language books as gifts and bought a commemorative ring, but something still felt missing. To cool his head, he leaned his head against the taxi window and recalled what his mom had said after dinner.

— Looks like there’s about two months left. It’ll be a shame if you do nothing during the vacation. Why not travel with friends?

He had thought there were over three months left, but time had passed without him noticing. Yoochan, contemplating how to make the most of his remaining two months with Jungeol, suddenly looked emotional and took out his phone. He furiously typed a reply to the third comment on the question post.

YdaeCapa: Come on… I would never betray my partner, and I wouldn’t wear my boots backward! I’ll treat my partner well and make them feel special, so no hasty generalizations.

Thinking that “hasty generalizations” sounded quite intellectual, Yoochan smiled contentedly and looked at his dragon ring.

In the meantime, the taxi arrived at its destination.

“Oh, you came earlier than I thought.”

Greeting the seniors who had arrived first, Yoochan joined his friends. Jinhong handed him a plate and said.

“Why did you ask about popular games? You don’t even play.”

Yoochan, thinking of Jungeol, smiled brightly and put his bag down next to Jinhong.

“I wanted to give a gift to someone. Wow, the seats are all taken already.”

“We started an hour ago. You’re the latest.”

Gikang, sitting across from Jinhong, replied on his behalf.

“What’s that on your finger? Is it a ring?”

“Isn’t it awesome?”

Yoochan spread his fingers and showed the back of his hand to display the ring. Gikang nodded, giving a thumbs up.

“Yeah, it looks like my nephew’s first birthday ring.”

Confused about whether it was an insult or a compliment, Yoochan stared blankly while Jinhong burst into hearty laughter. Realizing it was an insult, Yoochan frowned and then lowered his arm, glancing around at the people.

It was an end-of-term party at a pub near the school. The seniors had already had a few shots of soju, and the atmosphere was lively. Yoochan, sitting next to Jinhong and looking for chopsticks, received a fork from Yeji, who was sitting across from him.

Noticing the odd seating arrangement, Yoochan asked Yeji.

“Do you want to sit next to Jinhong? Should I switch seats with you?”

“No, I’m fine.”

Yeji pursed her lips and shook her head. Yoochan, puzzled by the couple who usually stuck together like glue, tilted his head and looked at Jinhong. Jinhong also frowned and waved his hand, signaling not to bring it up. Yoochan looked at Gikang for help.

“They’ve been fighting over something trivial since earlier. Just leave them be.”

Gikang’s blunt revelation made Yoochan take a bite of lettuce and lean towards Jinhong.

“Why are you fighting?”

“I don’t know, ask her.”

Jinhong, chewing on a piece of fried squid, waved his hand, indicating he didn’t want to talk. Yeji, who had been half-standing and serving stew to her friends, furrowed her brows at Jinhong’s reaction.

“What? You’re frustrated? Do you really not know, Park Jinhong?”

“What did I say to you?”

Jinhong put down the fried squid and looked up at Yeji with a scowl.

“Did I say anything other than suggesting we get married early after I get discharged? Is that such a terrible thing to say?”

“I’m annoyed that you assume I’ll wait for you. When did I say I’d wait?”

“Wow, so you won’t even wait for me to finish my military service? Why did you accept my confession during orientation then? Just playing with me until I enlist? You’re just using me.”

“You confessed to me an hour after meeting me, and I nodded without thinking. And what do you mean, using you? Are you done talking?”

“Hey, hey. Minwoo Hyung has been watching you two for a while.”

Gikang, caught in the middle of the childish couple’s fight, looked around nervously and pulled Yeji’s elbow. The fast-paced music and chatter drowned out their voices, but the seniors at the next table had noticed the commotion. Yeji, calming down, crossed her arms and sat down.

“And what kind of returning student talks about marriage? You don’t even have money.”

“How do you know if my family has money or not? Have you seen my dad’s bank account?”

“Professor Kim just arrived, so if you’re going to fight, do it outside.”

Finally, the second-year class president approached Jinhong and Yeji. Looking towards the entrance, they saw the class president and professor entering.

Yeji and Jinhong glared at each other before Yeji turned her head and walked out first. Jinhong, showing even more anger, roughly bit into the fried squid and then followed Yeji out.

Watching his friends leave the pub, Yoochan clicked his tongue and took a bite of salad. Just then, the second-year class president, who hadn’t left yet, lightly tapped Yoochan’s back and said.

“Yoochan, the Hyungs want to see you for a moment. Want to go?”

Yoochan widened his eyes and looked at the table Minwoo pointed to. He saw his close Hyungs and some female seniors who had always doted on him since he joined. There were even some seniors from the graduating class who were rarely seen. Yoochan moved to the table without hesitation.

“You look happier now that you’re dating.”

A female senior, who made room for Yoochan to sit, asked. Yoochan, squeezing into the narrow space with his broad shoulders, asked in surprise.

“Wow, how did you know I’m dating? Did Chaewon Noona tell you?”

“I saw it on your Facebook.”

“Oh.”

“So you only told Chaewon? I was in the same group during the MT, and you didn’t tell me. That’s disappointing, Yoochan.”

Another female senior, playfully pretending to be upset, said. Yoochan laughed and waved his hand.

“Oh, it’s not like that. Chaewon Noona asked me on KakaoTalk, so I told her. If you had asked, I would have told you too, of course.”

The female senior chuckled at Yoochan’s cheeky response and then, as if remembering something, glanced outside and asked.

“But why are Yeji and Jinhong fighting? It looked like Yeji was upset.”

“Well, from what I heard, it seems they’re fighting over the military service.”

The second-year class president sat down across from Yoochan and spoke for him. The senior who had asked the question looked surprised and asked.

“Is Jinhong already going to the military? He hasn’t even finished his first year?”

“I don’t think so. Jinhong said he would go after finishing his second year.”

Yoochan replied, drinking the water in front of him. The senior tilted his head in confusion.

“Then why are they fighting when there’s still a long time left?”

“That’s what I’m saying.”

Yoochan, who had been mumbling to himself about why they were fighting when it wasn’t time for military service yet, suddenly seemed curious and asked the female seniors.

“But is it wrong to ask your partner to wait for you while you’re in the military?”

The seniors at the table furrowed their brows and tilted their heads at the unexpected question.

“Well, I don’t know since I’ve never dated someone who hasn’t served yet… but if my partner said that before going to the military, I’d feel a bit pressured.”

“Oh, I’d hate it too. If it’s before they go to the military, they’d be only around 20 or 21. It’s too young to make promises about the future. And what if they betray you after you’ve waited? How will they compensate for that time?”

“Exactly. We have a classmate whose boyfriend wore his boots backward after she waited for him during his military service.”

The class president nodded in agreement.

“She waited for her boyfriend while he was in the military, but he wore his boots backward a month after being discharged. She’s getting a lot of flak from the other girls, and she didn’t even come to the end-of-term party today.”

“That’s why you shouldn’t believe guys when they’re desperate. They just ask you to wait without thinking it through because they’re in a hurry, without being able to take responsibility for that time.”

Yoochan felt like he was being scolded and looked at the Noonas nervously.

“Ah, of course, Yoochan, we don’t mean you.”

Seeing Yoochan clamming up, one of the seniors, realizing he had a girlfriend too, softened her expression and tried to comfort him. Despite forcing a smile at her words, Yoochan still looked glum. He had planned to ask Jungeol to wait for him while he was in the military tonight, but now he felt guilty bringing it up.

“It’s okay to ask. If the person waiting thinks it’s worth it, they’ll wait. If it’s too hard, they’ll stop.”

A senior with long hair, who had been talking on the phone next to the class president, said, putting her phone down. Another senior asked.

“Oh, right. You were a military girlfriend too. Are you still together?”

The long-haired senior smiled and waved her phone, indicating that the person she had just talked to was her boyfriend. Yoochan, now interested, leaned on the table and asked.

“Noona, how did you wait during his military service?”

“I just focused on my own things without thinking about my boyfriend. I was too busy managing my grades and working part-time to even think about being a military girlfriend. And these days, you can talk on the phone every day, so it felt more like a long-distance relationship than him being in the military.”

The senior said, tying her long hair with a hair tie.

“The guy in the military should obviously do his best not to make his girlfriend feel neglected.”

Another senior, finding it interesting, asked.

“Yoochan, are you going to ask your girlfriend to wait for you?”

Yoochan furrowed his brows and put on a serious expression, but then shook his head, indicating he wasn’t sure.

Although the party was in full swing, Yoochan used his promise to meet Jungeol as an excuse to leave early. On his way from the basement to the first floor, he ran into his friends. Yeji and Jinhong, who had been hugging, quickly separated when they saw Yoochan.

“You always leave the party first.”

Feeling embarrassed, Yeji shouted and then hurried downstairs, leaving Yoochan standing there, looking bewildered. Yoochan turned to Jinhong and asked.

“Did you make up?”

“Yeah.”

“How?”

“I promised Yeji that if I betrayed her after she waited, I’d give her ten million won.”

“Do you have ten million won?”

“Where would I get that kind of money? I’m not going to betray her, so I just promised it.”

Seeing Jinhong speak so shamelessly, Yoochan waved him off and walked away with slumped shoulders.

Knowing it was about time for Jungeol to finish his work, Yoochan went straight to the tattoo shop without stopping anywhere else. Jungeol was nowhere to be seen, probably still working, and only the Manager, Jaehyeok, and Taeho were sitting around eating snacks. Yoochan, noticing Jaehyeok quickly avoiding his gaze, sat next to the Manager with a puzzled look.

Taeho handed a bag of snacks to Yoochan and continued his conversation.

“…Anyway, it’s really suspicious that he keeps not telling us.”

“Who?”

Yoochan asked while drinking sparkling water instead of eating snacks. Taeho replied, “Jungeol Hyung.”

“He wore a weird ring all day today, but when I asked about it, he wouldn’t answer.”

“That ring is super cool, Hyung. What are you talking about?”

Yoochan’s face quickly turned red and blue.

“It’s not weird at all.”

“Have you seen Oppa’s ring too?”

The Manager, who found Yoochan’s sensitive reaction strange, looked at Yoochan’s hand.

“Oh! What the! Why are you wearing that weird ring too?”

The Manager pointed at the ring with wide, rabbit-like eyes. Yoochan hurriedly covered the ring with his other hand, but everyone had already seen it. Taeho frowned and asked.

“Is this a fake giveaway from some jewelry store?”

“It’s… it’s not fake! This is… this is…”

Yoochan, having forgotten to put the ring in his pocket before coming to the shop, stammered and then blurted out in a hurt voice.

“It’s a friendship ring with Jungeol Hyung. And it’s a genuine 5-don gold ring, not fake.”

“A friendship ring?”

The Manager asked skeptically. At that moment, Jaehyeok quietly interjected.

“Yeah, I’ve seen those friendship rings around lately.”

“A 5-don gold ring? Your friends must all be rich.”

Jaehyeok avoided the Manager’s sharp gaze and added.

“No, Jungeol really dotes on Yoochan. Yoochan probably begged for one. They both have plenty of money, so…”

“Wow, even though Jungeol Hyung has spent time with us, he only gave one to Yoochan? That’s disappointing.”

Unlike the still skeptical Manager, Taeho seemed fixated on the term “friendship ring” and voiced his dissatisfaction. Before more nonsense could be said, Jungeol came out of the workspace, seemingly having finished his job. The Manager quickly spoke up.

“Oppa, is it true you got friendship rings with Yoochan?”

Raising an eyebrow at the first mention of this, Jungeol quickly noticed Yoochan’s flustered expression and Jaehyeok’s awkward wink, understanding the situation and nodding.

Despite Jungeol’s response, the Manager didn’t seem satisfied but said nothing more. Only Taeho grumbled from the side.

“Wow, only Yoochan? Did you forget the time when we three supported each other when the shop was about to go under?”

“I’ll get you something better for your birthday. Min Yesul, you too.”

Jungeol skillfully appeased Taeho by patting his shoulder. Since Jungeol was not one for empty promises, Taeho’s face soon brightened.

“Hyung, can I start picking out my gift in advance?”

Nodding at Taeho’s words, Jungeol then motioned to Yoochan with his chin. Yoochan smiled and left the shop ahead of Jungeol.

“I can’t stay long. I haven’t finished the job yet.”

Just as the elevator started moving down from the second floor, Jungeol said. Yoochan, noticing the customer didn’t leave with him, realized it was just a break.

“So we can’t hang out tonight?”

Yoochan asked, looking up at Jungeol, disappointed. Jungeol glanced at his watch and squinted.

“It’ll probably be past two before I finish. Do you want to wait?”

Yoochan furrowed his brows as if contemplating. It wasn’t just that waiting until then would be hard for him; he thought it would be too much for Jungeol to work and then go on a date. Feeling mostly disappointed but thinking Jungeol had no choice, Yoochan reluctantly shook his head.

“You’re tired, Hyung. Rest today. We can hang out tomorrow.”

As he spoke, the elevator reached the 14th floor. Yoochan, who had planned to see Jungeol off first, looked puzzled as Jungeol followed him out.

“You’re not going back down?”

“I’ll walk you to the door.”

“Come on, I’m not a kid. To the door?”

Feeling both pleased and embarrassed, Yoochan tugged at his cheek and asked again. Seeing Yoochan’s smiling face, Jungeol quietly smiled back and then remembered his real purpose.

“Still don’t want to tell me?”

Yoochan looked back as if he didn’t understand. Jungeol raised his hand, showing the ring Yoochan had given him. He was asking why Yoochan had suddenly given him books, a game ID, and a ring. Yoochan stopped abruptly in front of room 1401 and turned around.

“……”

Suddenly, Yoochan pursed his lips and furrowed his brows, looking suspicious to anyone. It was clear he had something on his mind but couldn’t say it. Jungeol’s face showed curiosity.

Yoochan suddenly approached Jungeol and kissed him on the lips. After a quick peck, Jungeol looked surprised, and Yoochan smiled and said.

“I just wanted to get on your good side, Hyung. There’s no other meaning. And you’re busy, so go back down quickly. I’ll go in and rest. Text me when you’re done!”

Yoochan spoke cheerfully and waved coolly at the suspicious-looking Jungeol before closing the door. As soon as he was alone, Yoochan’s expression turned gloomy. Yoochan wanted to date Jungeol for a long time and was confident he wouldn’t betray him.

With the enlistment date approaching, Yoochan wanted to ask Jungeol to wait for him during his military service, but he couldn’t bring himself to say it. After hearing the harsh words from his school seniors, he felt it would be a burden on Jungeol.

Moreover, he had already asked Jungeol to wait for him without much thought that morning. Bringing it up again might make Jungeol uncomfortable.

Feeling troubled, Yoochan pouted and was about to take off his shoes and go inside when he heard the sound of someone entering the door code.

Startled, Yoochan looked up to see the door swing open. Jungeol, who hadn’t gone down yet, walked in comfortably as if it were his own home and gestured for Yoochan to come over. Yoochan, like a well-trained horse, followed the gesture and approached Jungeol. Jungeol wrapped his arm around Yoochan’s neck and leaned in.

Soft lips touched Yoochan’s. A supple tongue brushed against the inside of his lips, tickling him. Yoochan seemed to shrink his neck but then extended his arms to hug Jungeol.

A few seconds after their lips parted, Yoochan finally opened his eyes. Jungeol gently patted Yoochan’s head and said.

“Tell me when you want to talk. I’ll listen.”

The kiss wasn’t long, but it was enough to soothe Yoochan’s heart. Feeling emotional again, Yoochan nodded vigorously instead of answering. Jungeol rubbed Yoochan’s shoulder with the hand that had slid down from his head and then left with a gentle smile.

Yoochan felt comforted. He rubbed his lower lip, still warm from Jungeol’s kiss, with his finger and slowly went into the room. He took out the tattoo machine he had hidden for practice and placed it on the sofa table. Holding the machine, Yoochan suddenly remembered something and went back into the room to get a notepad and pen. He sat at the living room table and began writing.

— Don’t start thinking about that already. Just have fun and make the most of each day. Don’t always date in the same places. The more memories you have, the easier it will be to wait.

Recalling his senior’s advice, Yoochan started jotting down ideas on the notepad.

Horror movie. Escape room game. Baseball game. Ski resort. Hotel date.

“Ah, ski resorts are only fun in winter. Okay, then swimming pool and night fishing.”

Crossing out the ski resort and adding swimming pool and night fishing, Yoochan’s shoulders shook with excitement as he thought about dating Jungeol, even more than the upcoming competition.