Black & Grey Vol. 4 Chapter 5

The label colors and drink colors are completely different, lol.

I’m sure I saw it as Pocari Sweat. I even think I heard the CF song.

Morning Sun Boy suits him too. Let’s call him Morning Sun Boy.

12:33 Pocari Sweat Boy is totally like this: During a sports event, the female lead is secretly thirsty and goes to the vending machine, but the quiet, super handsome popular male lead is already there getting a drink. Seeing her waiting, he casually hands her his drink and asks, “Want to drink first?” When the female lead can’t say anything, the male lead shrugs and drinks it himself, causing hearts to pop in her eyes.

He wipes his lips with the back of his hand and stares deeply at the female lead.

222 Already feels like I watched a romance comic in one go, ㅠㅠ.

12:33 I like men’s Adam’s apples.

So I wasn’t the only one looking at his Adam’s apple, lol.

He appeared for a moment, but his face is glowing. Haha, I keep watching it on repeat.

14:56 Adam’s Apple Boy appears again.

Adam’s Apple Boy, lol.

Taekwang: Uh, subscribers, I’m seriously reviewing food here, why do you keep talking about Yoochan?

Is the athlete’s name Yoochan? Please have him appear again. He’s pleasing to the eyes, haha. Both Yoochan and Taekwang, fighting!

Manager skipped to 14:56 after reading the comments. Yoochan, seemingly thirsty, had finished drinking Morning Sun and was staring at his tray with a serious expression. Unlike his usual self, Yoochan didn’t chat with others and seemed calm and mature.

“Oh my, Yoochan… He used to talk so much while eating, but he seems to have matured after becoming a national representative. He knows how to conserve his words now.”

Manager murmured nostalgically, as if looking at a giant elephant that had grown up, reminiscing about the last meal they shared. Jungeol, who remembered Yoochan chatting non-stop and sharing delicious side dishes with him, couldn’t quite relate.

Suddenly, Manager turned to Jungeol and said,

“Oppa, isn’t Yoochan going to become super famous appearing in YouTube videos like this?”

Jungeol looked away from the screen to Manager, his eyes questioning. Manager pointed at the screen with her nose and answered.

“I’m not just saying this because we’re close, but objectively, Yoochan has the looks, the height, the build. When major competitions come up, he’ll definitely get a lot of attention.”

“…So what.”

Jungeol pondered briefly before responding.

Although Jungeol also recognized Yoochan’s charms, he assumed most people leaving praise comments were just joking. Similarly, Jungeol didn’t take the chatter from familiar clients on his tattoo shop’s official SNS account seriously.

However, Manager, noting how well Yoochan appeared on camera, confidently argued,

“Who knows, Yoochan might win a gold medal. Then he’ll get CFs, TV appearances, and won’t have time to date Oppa. But Yoochan is loyal, so even if he becomes popular, he’ll still acknowledge us, right?”

Manager, boasting about Yoochan who wasn’t even much younger, sounded like a proud aunt bragging about her talented nephew.

Jungeol squinted at the chat again. He had similar thoughts when Yoochan mentioned considering the national team selection and when Yoochan won a gold medal and joined the athletes’ village.

If Yoochan’s face became well-known, dating comfortably as before would be difficult, and they’d have to be mindful of people’s stares. Jungeol, who disliked attention or being recognized, found the idea of a famous partner burdensome.

But ultimately, Jungeol decided a little discomfort was worth it for Yoochan’s future. When Yoochan asked, “Hyung, what should I do?” Jungeol advised that taking on challenges while young was okay.

Yoochan wasn’t famous yet and hadn’t won medals, so there was no need to worry prematurely. Thus, life remained the same after Yoochan became a national athlete, but Manager’s words had Jungeol quite concerned.

“This person is really good at talking, right? No wonder he has many subscribers.”

Manager, looking entertained, hummed and clicked on a related video on the right.

We invited this friend for our subscribers.

It was from today, a few hours ago during the live stream.

“Will Yoochan appear in this one too?”

Jungeol didn’t answer. Frowning disapprovingly, his expression caught Manager’s attention, making her eyes widen and lips curl mischievously.

“What if our Yoochan becomes famous and busy, and Jungeol Oppa feels left out?”

The way she emphasized “what if” made it clear she was teasing.

Manager smiled at Jungeol, who didn’t react to her clumsy provocation, and focused back on Taekwang’s video. Finding Taekwang’s humor decent, Manager planned to watch from the beginning. Suddenly, she was startled by long fingers reaching out to touch the keyboard.

Jungeol, uninterested in Taekwang’s solo chatter, pressed the right arrow key to fast-forward the video. Manager looked up and protested.

“Hey, why? It’s fun. We can watch from the start.”

Ignoring Manager, Jungeol continued skipping through the video until he stopped somewhere. Yoochan’s face appeared next to Taekwang’s. Manager’s frown relaxed at the familiar face, but Jungeol’s previously calm expression turned into a frown.

Yoochan, seemingly just introduced, waved at the camera and greeted.

[My name? I’m Baek Yoochan, 22 years old, training with Taekwang Hyung. My height? 187 cm.]

“What? Is Yoochan doing YouTube?”

Taeho, coming out of the bathroom, showed interest and approached. Manager leaned her upper body towards the wall to make space for Taeho to see. Taeho laughed as he watched Yoochan asking for likes and subscriptions.

“Yoochan surprisingly looks good on camera.”

“Right? It’s not just me, right?”

“He seems to have lost some baby fat too.”

Taeho nodded, seemingly sincere, and returned to his seat. Meanwhile, Yoochan continued chatting energetically with Taekwang.

“……”

Jungeol, who had been worried, felt relieved seeing Yoochan enjoying himself. Though he only watched briefly, it didn’t seem like a low-quality show and appeared to be light-hearted banter among friends.

Checking his watch and preparing to resume work, Jungeol turned back at the next voice he heard.

[Just show a bit of your abs.]

“Wow, is Yoochan going to take off his shirt?”

Manager, eyes wide with excitement, focused on the screen. Taekwang kept provoking Yoochan, who expressed his frustration.

[Ah, I’m really not skinny.]

Yoochan, seemingly ready to undress, grabbed his shirt hem. Jungeol instinctively frowned.

After over two years of dating, Jungeol had diligently taught Yoochan not to show his body carelessly. Yet, he still worried. Fortunately, Yoochan released his grip on his shirt and smiled, shaking his head.

[No, I can’t. My partner will scold me. They told me not to take off my clothes just anywhere.]

“Wow.”

Manager, speechless, muttered with her mouth agape.

“…You trained him well.”

Jungeol, though outwardly calm, was surprised. He hadn’t expected Yoochan, the mood maker, to resist the crowd’s expectations and keep his shirt on.

[Taekwang Hyung has a great body too. Ask him to show you.]

Jungeol watched Yoochan on screen, smiling and skillfully passing the baton to Taekwang, clearly not wanting to undress.

Jungeol’s lips curled slightly. Manager, repeatedly muttering “amazing,” scrolled down the screen. The comments on this video were also filled with talk about Yoochan.

Lol, the gap between his face and voice is legendary.

Haha, he said he can’t because of his partner. So cute.

No way! He said his partner told him not to undress anywhere!

I’m the one who commented on the Adam’s Apple video. Changing the high-teen romance setting. Instead of a cool, quiet popular guy, he’s the childhood friend next door. Teasing the short female lead, “Do you carry a bag bigger than you?” The female lead retorts, “What are you talking about!” as she walks away, and he playfully says, “You’ll get shorter. Give it to me,” and carries her bag.

He looked so cool and aloof in the drinking video, but he’s such a baby, haha.

Sobbing, please have Yoochan appear next week too, Taekwang. Please.

Taekwang: Okay… I’ll ask him. Please stop crying….

The comments were 40% praising Yoochan’s looks, 50% amazed by his unexpectedly youthful tone and behavior, and the remaining 10% offering sympathetic support to Taekwang, who looked like a big-headed squid next to Yoochan.

As the video ended, silence fell. Just then, a customer arrived. Jungeol, grabbing his phone, leisurely left the computer. He looked particularly satisfied as he pulled back the blackout curtain at spot 1.

* * *

5:30 Wake up and morning training

7:00 Breakfast

10:00 Weight and circuit training

12:00 Lunch

14:30 Specialized training

6:00 Dinner

19:00 Voluntary training

22:00 Bedtime

After finishing the day’s schedule and returning to the dorms from voluntary training, Yoochan lay on his bed in his uniform, deliberately leaving the Taeguk mark visible, and turned on his phone camera.

This was for his essential daily Instagram upload. He puffed his chest to show off the Taeguk mark and lifted his chin. Striking his most handsome pose, he took a selfie, tagged it with #followback #letsbefriends, and posted it.

After finally removing his sweaty uniform and taking a shower, Yoochan felt exhausted. He had never felt so heavy from exercise before, but the athletes’ village training was undoubtedly more intense.

Rotating his stiff shoulders, Yoochan stopped in front of his cluttered desk, which was messy with books, clothes, and snacks. Despite the clutter, the picture frames on the top were neatly arranged.

Yoochan took out the frontmost frame. Among family photos, high school and college friends, judo juniors, boot camp mates, and shop staff, there was a picture he took with Jungeol at Jirisan earlier this year. They hiked whenever they had time. In fact, the photos of high school and college friends, Manager, Taeho, and shop staff were taken to confidently display this photo of Jungeol in his dorm.

Pushing the other photos aside, Yoochan placed Jungeol’s picture in the most visible spot and lay on his bed. While showering, he had received a few messages from Jungeol.

When should I come tomorrow?

It seemed Jungeol was really planning to pick him up early in the morning at the athletes’ village. Feeling grateful and guilty, Yoochan adjusted his pillow and replied to Jungeol.

Aren’t you tired? You came just a few days ago. It’s almost a three-hour round trip.

It’s fine.

It’s almost a three-hour round trip… and you’ll probably drive me back too. If you drive for so long, you might be too tired to hang out at night. I can take the train and get there quickly, so if you really want to see me early, just come to the station.

Reading Yoochan’s concern, Jungeol agreed and sent a follow-up message.

Should I call now?

“Seriously.”

Yoochan muttered, finding it amusing. Despite dating for two years, having thousands of calls, and even talking multiple times today, just seeing the words “should I call” from Jungeol made him happy every time.

Clearing his throat to prepare, Yoochan quickly answered the ringing phone.

“Hyung! Are you off work now?”

[Yeah, just heading out. Are you at the dorm?]

“Yes. Just showered and lying down.”

[Good job today. When will you book the train ticket?]

“Right after we finish talking.”

Jungeol suggested booking in the morning in case he woke up late. Yoochan, who always woke up early, thought he wouldn’t wake up late even tomorrow. But trusting Jungeol, he agreed.

“Remind me to book it before we hang up. I might forget since I’m sleepy.”

[Should we hang up and talk again in the morning?]

“No, I love talking to you at this time. Can we talk until I fall asleep, like the other night?”

[Sure. Hearing your voice, you’ll probably fall asleep soon.]

“Yes. I was fine earlier, but the hot shower made me sleepy.”

[Hearing your voice makes me sleepy too.]

Yoochan recently enjoyed that Jungeol had more time for night calls since he started getting off work early. Talking to Jungeol while feeling pleasantly exhausted after a satisfying workout and a shower felt like true happiness. Burying his head in the pillow and listening to Jungeol’s gentle voice as he prepared for bed, Yoochan suddenly thought of the basket on the shelf in the veranda and spoke up, wide awake.

“Hyung, do you like persimmons?”

[Yeah. Why persimmons all of a sudden?]

Yoochan quickly got up and grabbed the basket from the shelf. There were two perfectly ripe, beautiful persimmons left. He placed the basket on the bedside table to avoid forgetting them the next day and said,

“I saved two persimmons to give you, Hyung.”

A chuckle was heard, and then Jungeol asked where he got the persimmons. Holding his phone to his shoulder, Yoochan gently picked up one persimmon and answered earnestly,

“There’s a Noona I got close to during training here. She handed out persimmons to close friends the day before yesterday. Yesterday, I tried one with the other Hyungs, and it was way sweeter than sugar. Much better than the ones from the department store. Truly the best persimmon I’ve ever had.”

It was tastier than the expensive persimmons his mother ordered. Just thinking about the sweet persimmon made Yoochan’s mouth water, and he licked his lips and swallowed. Looking at it any longer would make him crave it.

Yoochan smacked his lips, put the persimmon back in the basket, and continued his call with Jungeol while snuggling under the blanket.

* * *

Yoochan’s speech slowed, and then he fell silent. Only after he was completely asleep did Jungeol end the call and start his car.

Not wanting to hang up in the middle, he had waited until Yoochan fell asleep. But since Yoochan seemed reluctant to end the call, it took an hour. Jungeol rubbed his frozen hands, having sat in the car without heat in the dead of winter, then grabbed the wheel.

Pressing the accelerator, Jungeol suddenly smiled.

“…Best persimmon ever.”

The cute expression aside, imagining Yoochan resisting the urge to eat the persimmon to share it with him made Jungeol miss Yoochan even more.

After work, while watching a movie and having a beer with Taeho, Jungeol checked his messages at the notification sound. It was a message from Yoochan, who should have been asleep long ago.

Hyung, are you awake?

Watching a movie with Taeho. Why?

Hyung.

Yeah.

You know… It’s a bit awkward to say this suddenly.

Suspicious, Jungeol sat up from the couch and leaned his elbows on his thighs to respond.

It’s okay. Tell me.

So…

Yeah.

Can I eat one persimmon now?

Jungeol’s head drooped. Taeho, watching the intense noir with Jungeol, looked puzzled at Jungeol’s sudden laughter while holding his phone.

“What’s so funny?”

As Taeho leaned closer, Jungeol waved him off, saying it was nothing, and typed a reply to Yoochan. But Yoochan couldn’t wait and asked again before Jungeol could send his reply.

Should I not eat it? I can resist if you want.

Ignoring Taeho, who was still curious, Jungeol smiled and replied.

Eat both. I’ll buy more tomorrow.

Seeing Yoochan repeatedly ask, Jungeol figured he was probably hungry in the middle of the night and told him to eat both. But Yoochan replied differently.

Jungeol Hyung. You didn’t really listen to me earlier, did you? These persimmons are on another level compared to regular ones from the department store. Best. Persimmons. Ever. You’ll understand when you taste them tomorrow.

Deciding to tell a white lie to Yoochan, who seemed torn between sharing a delicious treat with his boyfriend and the temptation of a midnight snack, Jungeol replied,

I don’t really like persimmons, so it’s okay to eat both.

…Really?

Thankfully, Yoochan seemed to believe the lie and added,

Then I’ll eat just one. When you taste it, Hyung, you’ll change your mind about persimmons. Compared to this, everything else I’ve eaten tastes like astringent persimmons.

Yoochan’s characteristic exaggerated expression indicated that the persimmon must have been truly delicious. Seeing the clock pointing to 2 AM, Jungeol gently encouraged Yoochan.

Eat it and go to sleep right away. You need to wake up early tomorrow.

Got it. See you tomorrow, Hyung. Enjoy the movie with Taeho Hyung. I’ll really save one persimmon. We have to eat it together after lunch tomorrow.

Okay.

There was no reply, as if Yoochan had immediately gotten up to eat the persimmon. Jungeol put down his phone and comfortably leaned back on the cushion, staring at the TV.

However, he couldn’t focus on the movie, constantly thinking about Yoochan, who must have woken up at 1 AM, eyes half-closed, craving a persimmon.

* * *

I’ve left. Don’t book the train ticket, just come out.

The next morning at the athletes’ village dorm. Yoochan, who had just woken up to book the train ticket, saw the early morning message from Jungeol and widened his eyes.

“Oh… really, Jungeol Hyung…”

Yoochan turned his head and buried his face in the pillow, rubbing it vigorously. He had thought something was off when Jungeol stopped him from booking the ticket, but he never imagined he would secretly come to pick him up. Smiling happily, Yoochan turned over leisurely and asked Jungeol.

When will you arrive? I’ll time my shower.

There’s still some time, so take your time.

Just give me a rough estimate. I really don’t want to keep you waiting.

I’m almost there.

Including the traffic lights, about 10 minutes?

“Wow, seriously.”

Yoochan quickly got up and threw off his training clothes, which he wore as pajamas.

One minute was too short to wash his hair and shower. He also had to account for the time it took to get out of the dorm. Although Jungeol wouldn’t mind waiting 10 or 15 minutes, Yoochan didn’t want to keep him waiting.

Rushing into the bathroom, Yoochan splashed cold water on his face to wake up and grabbed his toothbrush. After brushing his teeth, he skipped the shampoo and shower and went outside.

Even running now, it was cutting it close. Yoochan chose the cleanest training clothes from his wardrobe, put them on, threw on a padded jacket, and headed out.

Three minutes later, Yoochan, face flushed, ran back to his room with his sneakers on. He grabbed the basket containing the persimmon he had saved with much deliberation and left the dorm, panting.

“Jungeol Hyung!”

Adjusting the heater direction on the passenger side, Jungeol looked out the window at the loud voice. Yoochan, carrying a bag on one shoulder and the basket in the other hand, was sprinting towards him.

Just before Yoochan arrived, Jungeol leaned over and opened the car door. Yoochan, without slowing down, jumped in and hugged Jungeol.

“Video calls made me miss you even more. You missed me too, right?”

Sitting in the passenger seat with the fancy car seat, Yoochan, without giving Jungeol time to respond, placed the basket on his lap and started kissing Jungeol’s face with both hands.

It seemed he was expressing all the affection he couldn’t convey through long phone calls. Receiving Yoochan’s kisses, Jungeol glanced outside. They were outside the athletes’ village, and there were no passersby, but Jungeol gently pulled away and said,

“People are watching.”

“So what?”

Yoochan replied, sounding upset.

“If anyone complains about me dating you, I’ll show my couple tattoo to my parents and quit everything. Honestly, losing me would be a national loss. I’m the best. By the way, Hyung, did you bring my couple ring?”

Smiling at Yoochan’s confident attitude, Jungeol nodded towards the dashboard. Yoochan opened it to find the 18K gold ring and the new couple ring in their cases.

Seeing the new couple ring on Jungeol’s left hand, Yoochan took out the couple ring and replaced his gold ring. Jungeol watched Yoochan, who seemed proud of the ring on his finger, and raised an eyebrow.

Yoochan looked slightly different from usual. Though he always made an effort to look good for their dates, now he looked like he had just woken up. It seemed he had rushed out without even washing up.

“I should have called earlier.”

Jungeol hadn’t called, thinking Yoochan wouldn’t get enough sleep since he wanted to eat the persimmon later than usual. Feeling guilty, he said so. Yoochan shrugged and replied nonchalantly.

“You surprised me, didn’t you? Honestly, I’m really touched. Coming here two or three times a week isn’t easy. And Hyung, do you know? You come more often than my parents.”

Seeing Yoochan genuinely happy instead of complaining about not having time to prepare, Jungeol felt at ease.

“Did you wear the couple’s underwear? I’m wearing it. Look.”

Yoochan pulled down his training pants slightly to show the black underwear, then looked at Jungeol’s lower half and asked,

“Hyung, did you wear it? Don’t tell me you didn’t.”

“…I did.”

“Then why didn’t you answer quickly? Did you forget and wear a different color? I told you yesterday it should be black, your favorite. Let me check.”

Seeing Yoochan about to pull down his pants in the parked car on an open road, Jungeol gently held Yoochan’s wrist to stop him.

“I definitely wore it, so check later.”

Yoochan, feeling proud, stared at Jungeol’s lower half. Receiving Yoochan’s intense gaze, Jungeol gently removed the sleep from Yoochan’s eyes and rubbed the intricate pillow pattern off his cheek before noticing the basket.

“Is this the persimmon you mentioned yesterday?”

“Oh! Yes! This is it!”

Yoochan, who had forgotten the basket in his excitement to meet Jungeol, lifted it and answered enthusiastically.

“Hyung, do you want to try my best persimmon now? Or maybe we should eat something spicy and salty like kimchi stew for lunch first, and then have the persimmon for dessert. It’ll be heavenly.”

“Sure. Should we eat lunch here?”

Jungeol asked as he turned the wheel. Yoochan asked if Jungeol had any specific cravings. Jungeol, who wasn’t picky, shrugged indifferently.

Rubbing his head against Jungeol’s arm as he drove, Yoochan said,

“I want to eat your kimchi stew, Hyung. And let’s make rolled omelet with lots of green onions and grill some meat. I’ll help with the omelet.”

Remembering the first and only time he ate Yoochan’s rolled omelet years ago, Jungeol frowned.

Though it was just a simple rolled omelet and Yoochan might have improved his skills, Yoochan hadn’t learned to cook after discharge and only ate out before joining the athletes’ village this year. Moreover, Jungeol had always been the cook between the two. It was unlikely that Yoochan’s cooking skills had improved, having always eaten food prepared by others.

Not wanting to eat Yoochan’s rolled omelet, Jungeol seriously contemplated how to divert Yoochan’s attention to prevent him from cooking throughout the drive.

Stopping at a large mart on the way to Seoul, they bought various food ingredients and snacks before stopping by the shop. Yoochan wanted to see the shop staff.

“Welcome, Yoochan. But your skin looks the same. You looked so pale in the video.”

Manager, who had recently taken over the shop’s management for Jungeol, was the first to speak to Yoochan. Yoochan, hugging Manager, then picked up Gaang, who ran to him, and answered.

“Really? Haven’t I gotten a bit paler?”

“Where?”

“Man, I use sunscreen every day. Oh? Taeho Hyung! You’re on a diet, right?”

The shop staff, including Taeho, whose chin had noticeably filled out, greeted Yoochan warmly, as if welcoming a family member returning home with arms full of food. While Jungeol looked for something in the counter drawer, Yoochan placed the snacks they bought on the 8-person table.

“Oh, you’re here?”

Jaehyeok, who had come out of the smoking room on the veranda with his shoulders wrapped up, noticed Jungeol and Yoochan and waved. Yoochan, having briefly opened the veranda door, felt the cold air and asked curiously,

“Hyung, is the smoking room on the veranda that cold?”

“Yeah. If we just use the exhaust fan, it smells, so we keep the window open. Maybe that’s why it’s freezing. Can’t even smoke properly.”

“Good. This is a chance for Oppa to quit smoking like Jungeol Oppa.”

Ignoring Manager’s nagging, Jaehyeok sat on the sofa and opened a snack bag. Yoochan looked at the smoking room with a serious expression. Since Jungeol had quit smoking a while ago, he hadn’t been to the smoking room in the cold weather and didn’t know how chilly it was.

Seeing Jaehyeok eating a hotteok, his coat buttoned up to his neck, Yoochan sympathetically placed Gaang on the floor and took out his phone. He ordered two large commercial radiators for the smokers, Jaehyeok and Taeho, on a whim.

After sharing the snacks with the shop staff and asking Manager and Taeho to look after Gaang, the two headed to the parking lot. Yoochan, fastening his seatbelt, tilted his head when he saw Jungeol holding out his hand expectantly.

“Are you going to eat the persimmons now?”

Jungeol said no and grabbed Yoochan’s wrist as he reached for the basket. Yoochan looked puzzled but extended his hand. Jungeol turned Yoochan’s hand over and squeezed a tube of hand cream he had brought from the counter.

“Oh.”

“You didn’t put on hand cream today, did you?”

Jungeol asked, rubbing the hand cream between his palms. Yoochan watched Jungeol and slowly smiled, realizing that Jungeol had noticed his dry hands earlier when he was kissing him all over.

“No, I didn’t.”

Yoochan nodded, looking at his now shiny hands. He had been thinking his skin was getting drier lately but kept forgetting to apply hand cream.

“I always think I should put on body lotion and hand cream before showering, but I always forget to do both after showering.”

Jungeol smiled knowingly. He remembered a time when Yoochan walked around the living room with just a towel around his waist, not caring about his nakedness.

Yoochan probably still walked around the dorm naked after showering, feeling uncomfortable with the remaining moisture. But once he was dry, he would forget what he was doing and put on his pajamas.

After they started dating, Yoochan made sure to wear underwear around Jungeol, so Jungeol hadn’t seen him like that recently. But Jungeol often laughed, remembering Yoochan walking around naked like a monkey.

Soon, Jungeol meticulously rubbed the cream into the other hand, even between the ring fingers.

“Are you done?”

“Yes, all done.”

With Yoochan’s hands now moist, Jungeol moved to close the hand cream tube. Yoochan took the hand cream from him and said,

“Wait a moment. Let me do it for you too.”

Jungeol smiled and willingly gave Yoochan his hand. Yoochan squeezed the hand cream tube and carefully rubbed the cream into Jungeol’s hand. Only after both their palms and backs of hands were moist and soft did they start the car. Yoochan sank into the warm seat and gazed lovingly at Jungeol’s profile as he drove.

As soon as they arrived at the apartment, Jungeol began preparing to cook, placing the ingredients they bought from the mart on the table. Yoochan took off his padding, hung it on the chair, and put the persimmons he had been cherishing all morning in the fridge.

“Should I take out all the ingredients?”

“Yes, please take some out.”

Yoochan took out the eggs and green onions from the fresh compartment and placed them on the counter. Seeing Jungeol with his back turned, taking out the cutting board, Yoochan couldn’t resist and hugged him tightly from behind.

“…….”

Jungeol, about to wash his hands, saw Yoochan’s hands gripping his waist and slowly turned around. Yoochan rubbed his cheek against Jungeol’s chest, not showing his face. Despite his large frame, Yoochan loved being embraced like this.

However, the height difference made it awkward, so Yoochan stood with his legs slightly apart, bending his waist. Even in this strange pose, he didn’t want to let go of Jungeol’s chest.

As Jungeol wrapped his arms around Yoochan’s back, Yoochan straightened his bent waist and pouted his lips.

“Pre-meal kiss.”

Despite complaining about being hungry on the way, a kiss seemed more urgent.

Jungeol leaned in and kissed Yoochan as he wanted. As their lips lightly touched, Yoochan seemed satisfied and started to straighten up. But Jungeol pulled Yoochan’s head closer with the hand that was on his waist, tilting his head slightly.

Jungeol’s moist tongue slid into Yoochan’s mouth. Surprisingly, Yoochan seemed familiar with this and opened his lips, closing his eyes.

The faint mint scent of Jungeol’s tongue licked Yoochan’s sensitive lower lip. The touch on his lips sent a shiver down his spine. Yoochan wrapped his arms around Jungeol’s broad back. As excitement surged through Yoochan, a soft moan escaped his lips. Just then, Jungeol lightly bit Yoochan’s lip before letting go and pulling away.

Yoochan opened his eyes, looking dazed and disappointed that the kiss had ended. Jungeol leaned in and said,

“If we keep going, we’ll skip lunch and go straight to dinner.”

Jungeol’s breath, smelling of mint, brushed against Yoochan’s lips.

“We can keep going if that’s okay.”

Seeing Jungeol gently tease Yoochan’s cheek with his lips, it was clear he had already made his decision. Of course, under different circumstances, Yoochan would have made the same choice as Jungeol. However, today Yoochan had skipped breakfast and only eaten a single hotteok. For a big eater like Yoochan, surviving on just one hotteok until lunchtime was quite an achievement.

“…….”

Yoochan looked up at Jungeol with a serious, contemplative expression. Jungeol’s sculpted face, deep eyes, and the prominent bulge in his thighs seemed to ask Yoochan if mere food was more important than love.

Yoochan was torn between his hunger and his desire. However, the rumbling in his stomach ultimately made him yield to his hunger.

* * *

Yoochan’s dinner finally ended after he polished off three bowls of rice with Jungeol’s signature kimchi stew, packed with pork belly. Yoochan placed his empty bowl in the sink, having scraped every last grain of rice, and said,

“Hyung’s soups are seriously addictive. I didn’t plan to eat this much. The coach told me not to gain weight.”

Jungeol felt satisfied seeing Yoochan eat everything without a single complaint. As Yoochan cleared the table, Jungeol asked,

“What would you like to drink?”

“Anything. Whatever Hyung makes is delicious.”

Knowing Yoochan meant it sincerely, Jungeol prepared a coffee for himself and a citron tea for Yoochan. Meanwhile, Yoochan remembered the persimmons and opened the fridge. He carefully placed the persimmons, with their stems removed, in a plain white bowl and added a large spoon. He confidently presented the bowl to Jungeol, who was sitting down, and said,

“Try this. It’s the best persimmon of my life.”

Jungeol took a sip of his coffee and accepted the bowl with one hand. Yoochan sat across from him, his face lit up with excitement, and watched Jungeol eagerly.

“I saved two for you, but I was so hungry yesterday that I ate one. Now there’s only this one left. It’s for you. Enjoy.”

Remembering how Yoochan had cautiously asked if he could eat one persimmon the night before, Jungeol smiled silently.

“Why are you smiling?”

Yoochan asked, puzzled by Jungeol’s smile.

“It’s nothing.”

Jungeol finally stopped smiling and said,

“Let’s share it. Go get another spoon.”

“No, this is for you. You eat it.”

Yoochan waved his hand, adamantly refusing. Jungeol nodded and scooped up a spoonful of persimmon. Just as he was about to taste it, he felt Yoochan’s intense gaze. Jungeol offered the spoon to Yoochan first. Yoochan, who had been staring intently, leaned back, refusing to eat.

“I’m serious, I’m fine. I’ve eaten a lot already.”

Unable to persuade Yoochan, Jungeol put the spoon in his own mouth. The cold, sweet flesh of the persimmon reminded him of ice cream. He savored it slowly and then raised his eyebrows in approval.

“It’s really sweet.”

Yoochan’s face lit up with joy.

“Right? It’s so delicious! I wouldn’t have brought you an ordinary persimmon.”

“Yeah, it’s delicious.”

Jungeol wasn’t just being polite; it was genuinely sweeter and more refreshing than ice cream. He nodded and took another spoonful. Yoochan seemed content just watching Jungeol eat, folding his arms with a satisfied expression.

“If I find something else delicious, I’ll secretly bring it to you.”

As Yoochan chattered, he noticed the spoon approaching his lips. He pursed his lips and shook his head vigorously. Jungeol chuckled and lifted his chin, saying,

“Ah.”

It was as if he were feeding a child. Yoochan fidgeted with his citron tea cup and reluctantly leaned forward. He quickly ate the ripe persimmon and grumbled, feigning embarrassment.

“Hurry up and eat, Hyung. I’ve been saving this for you for days… But it’s really delicious. Right?”

Yoochan added wistfully, his face filled with bliss. Understanding Yoochan’s feelings, Jungeol took another quick bite and then offered Yoochan a larger spoonful.

“Ah, I shouldn’t eat yours too.”

But Yoochan, already tasting the sweet persimmon that seemed to melt on his tongue, had no choice. Jungeol watched Yoochan open his mouth again, narrowing his eyes with satisfaction.

After sharing the persimmon, which was the size of an adult’s fist, Jungeol helped Yoochan up by hooking his arm under Yoochan’s armpit and handed him an electric toothbrush. After brushing thoroughly, Yoochan placed his toothbrush next to Jungeol’s in the sterilizer by the mirror.

When he came out, Jungeol was washing the dishes.

“I said I’d do it after brushing.”

Feeling guilty that Jungeol had cooked and was now washing the dishes, Yoochan rested his chin on Jungeol’s shoulder and said so. There weren’t many dishes, so Jungeol quickly finished washing them and, as if remembering something, said,

“How about going to a VR cafe tonight?”

Jungeol remembered Yoochan mentioning a VR cafe in passing the last time they met.

Yoochan frowned slightly, looking at the ceiling as if contemplating. He enjoyed going out to crowded places with lots of activities, but he also loved spending time alone with Jungeol like today.

“Hmm.”

“We could also practice driving in Songdo.”

Seeing Yoochan not respond, Jungeol offered another suggestion.

“I completely forgot! I need to practice driving!”

Yoochan agreed loudly, lifting his head. Whenever they had time, Jungeol and Yoochan would go on dates outside Seoul, but Jungeol always did the long-distance driving. Yoochan, feeling guilty for not being able to take turns driving, eventually got a regular driver’s license during his break a few months after discharge.

His mother offered to buy him a car as a congratulatory gift, but Yoochan declined, saying he’d ask if he needed one later. He wanted to ride in Jungeol’s car.

Jungeol also opposed Yoochan driving a car without practice. He had once let Yoochan drive on a quiet road in Songdo. Though Yoochan’s driving sense wasn’t bad, it still seemed risky. Yoochan had barely driven after getting his license before joining the athletes’ village.

“How about tomorrow morning instead of today? You have an appointment at two, right? We can practice driving on the way down and eat the sweet and sour pork we had last time.”

After some thought, Yoochan decided. When Jungeol agreed, Yoochan, excited, leaned his head on Jungeol’s neck and said,

“I find learning to drive from you the most fun.”

Other Hyungs would nag and raise their voices when teaching him to drive, but Jungeol didn’t.

When a nervous Yoochan turned on the wipers instead of the blinkers, Jungeol quietly reached over to turn off the wipers. If Yoochan, excited by the open road, unknowingly sped up, Jungeol would place his hand near the wheel, ready to take over if needed, and calmly say, “Let’s lower the speed a bit.”

In the years they had dated, Yoochan had never seen Jungeol lose his temper outside of work. Unlike himself, who was always fiery, Jungeol seemed to maintain his composure, with only a slight twitch of his eyebrows and a lower voice indicating any emotional change.

Yoochan liked this about Jungeol. He knew that Jungeol smiled the most at him.

Feeling happy at the thought, Yoochan squirmed and slipped his hand under Jungeol’s sweater. Sliding his fingers into the groove between Jungeol’s firm back muscles, he elicited a faint sigh from Jungeol’s lips.

Pressing his lower body against Jungeol, Yoochan puckered his lips for a kiss. But Jungeol, brushing past Yoochan’s lips, lightly bit and licked Yoochan’s earlobe and neck. The ticklish sensation made Yoochan pull his neck back like a turtle and say,

“Ah, Hyung. I haven’t showered yet. What if I smell?”

Having only washed his face and brushed his teeth since waking up, Yoochan worried.

“You don’t smell at all.”

Jungeol said, pulling Yoochan closer by the waist. Lifting Yoochan’s shirt as if to undress him, Jungeol’s fingers brushed Yoochan’s side. Though he had showered before bed, it had been 12 hours, and Yoochan felt uneasy.

“Ah! No! I’ll shower first!”

Yoochan shouted, twisting away from Jungeol’s fingers and running into the bathroom.

As Jungeol stood there, bewildered, the tightly closed door slowly opened. Through the crack, Yoochan’s training clothes and underwear flew out. He was going to shower. Accepting the situation, Jungeol turned to get clothes for Yoochan when Yoochan peeked through the still-open door.

“…Hyung.”