PO 24

“I don’t know what you think you are doing. I am really letting it go just this time. You understand?”

“……”

“Hurry and get out.”

At Lee Doyoung’s cold words, Woojeong quickly stepped out of the car. When he closed the door and stood awkwardly, the window slid down. Lee Doyoung, with his head slightly lowered, greeted someone beyond the window.

“Ijun-ssi, you were already here?”

“Yes, hello.”

Woojeong saw that Yoon Ijun, whom he hadn’t noticed, was standing in front of the gallery. He flicked away the cigarette he had been smoking and walked a few steps closer with his head slightly bowed. Lee Doyoung greeted him warmly, but Yoon Ijun gave only a perfunctory reply and took out his phone. When he checked the time, he pointed toward the entrance.

“Time’s up. Let’s go in now.”

“Hyung….”

“Yes. Have fun. Call me when it ends.”

When Woojeong hesitated and looked at him, Lee Doyoung spoke to him gently. It was an attitude one hundred eighty degrees different from the tone he had used to Woojeong in the car just moments before. Woojeong felt complicated when he even waved his hand, and he stared at his brother’s car as it drove away.

Yoon Ijun, who came near with a faint smell of cigarettes, tapped Woojeong’s arm and asked.

“Does your phone work now?”

“No, not yet.”

“But then how does your brother expect you to call him? Tell him to just buy you a phone.”

Yoon Ijun grumbled that it was frustrating to have no way to contact him. Woojeong, who had grown used to living without a phone, didn’t feel much inconvenience, but it must have been frustrating for people who had business and wanted to contact him.

“You careless bastard. Don’t you even think about how people get anxious?”

So when he had called Seo Junho yesterday, he had been cursed at for a long while. When he said his brother had thrown his phone and broken it, Seo Junho had said he would bring him a spare phone, and at the same time he had cursed Lee Doyoung.

“Let’s head up now.”

From the moment he had come out to the workshop, the day had passed quickly. He had prepared to go out, and he had come to the workshop and attended class, and now as he mingled and talked with people, it became a small escape from the routine that had repeated for Woojeong. With a bright smile, Woojeong followed behind him.

The class Woojeong attended started at five in the evening. A special lecturer was invited, and artists from Yoon Workshop participated and guided the students in this premium course. Through his family connection, Yoon Ijun joined and took the workstation next to Woojeong.

Bang, the artist, was a metal craftsman recognized in the field enough to run an academy under his own name. Usually he handled advanced courses, but at Yoon Hyunjun’s request he opened a limited class this time.

“Today, as I announced, we will make keyrings.”

The class began with making items used in daily life such as ornaments, keyrings, and cute mobiles. There was joy in experiencing many techniques such as cutting, joining, threading, grinding, and polishing materials.

“As you can see, there are very diverse methods. The process of turning the design you have in your mind into reality is very enjoyable too.”

Whenever he saw the artist demonstrate, Woojeong’s eyes lit up. Since he had seen the process only in writing, pictures, or video, seeing it before his eyes was wondrous.

“Doesn’t today’s lesson seem more fun than yesterday’s?”

Samples of the work were placed at every seat. From them, Woojeong chose the keyring that made a three-dimensional bird shape by stacking several metal plates trimmed according to the design. Yoon Ijun chose a square symbol design that looked a little rough.

“Let’s begin by cutting according to the design. Hold the saw firmly, and move it so your hand doesn’t strain.”

Woojeong carefully placed the cut design on the flat brass plate, and he picked up the saw. He set the bench pin at the center of his chest, and he gripped the saw tightly and began to move it. Artist Bang walked among the work tables and observed the situation.

“Don’t turn it wide in one go, but adjust slowly at small angles. Don’t cut with force, but move it in place and remember it should feel like it is cutting naturally.”

“Ah. I messed up.”

“Haha. If you shave a bit here, it looks like you can fix it.”

Yoon Ijun slipped often and made mistakes, and each time he needed someone’s help.

On one side, Woojeong focused on sawing, and he began to cut the brass plate carefully along the line. The sight of the metal cutting smooth like paper was amazing.

When Woojeong cut step by step according to the design, he began to refine the sharp edges with a file. The rough edges scraped with sound and gradually became smooth.

It was a simple task, but at that moment he could concentrate fully without a single other thought.

“Have you done something like this anywhere before?”

“No. This is my first time here.”

“You are skilled with your hands.”

It had been so long since Woojeong received praise from someone, so he was embarrassed, but he felt pleased.

When he finished tidying the edges smoothly with a handpiece, Artist Bang came close and sat across from Woojeong. He looked at the design hammers that gave texture to the metal plate, and he picked one, and he smiled playfully.

“I will apply this pattern with feeling. I am really good at this kind of thing.”

Artist Bang began to hammer deftly on the wing part of the bird. On the flat surface of the metal plate, the delicate texture of feathers began to appear.

“Like this, you tap lightly in this way.”

When he finished one part, he passed the hammer to Woojeong and pointed to another piece. He meant for him to try it himself.

Thump thump, the face of the hammer struck the surface of the metal, and the sensation transmitted straight into his hand.

It was a task anyone could do once they learned, but for Woojeong every moment felt unfamiliar and special.

It might have looked like nothing to others, but he was excited for no reason. He thought that he wanted to experience more.

“Artist Bang. His piece looks pretty, but why does mine look like this?”

Yoon Ijun stood up and complained as he compared Woojeong’s piece with his own. Artist Bang, with a file in his hand, gestured for him to come over.

“First grind the corners more. You might hurt your hand.”

Woojeong organized the tools he had used in place, and he let out a sigh. The week of classes had gone by quickly, and tomorrow was already the last lesson.

Other participants only waited for the class where they would make couple rings, but for Woojeong the thought that it was already ending left him with regret.

He wanted to learn more and create opportunities to work, but after the class ended, he might have to be confined again in the house. Without Yoon Hyunjun and Han Jaegang’s help this time, he wouldn’t even have had the chance to join the class.

Every time he thought of Han Jaegang to, his heart felt weighed down.

It was fortunate that his phone had broken. Since contact was completely cut off, there was no chance of being summoned to Snow Reflection Residence. Woojeong had no confidence that he could face him again casually as before if he was summoned there.

“Hey.”

Lost in thought, Woojeong flinched at the hand grabbing his shoulder. Yoon Ijun, who had come up beside him, also jumped back in surprise.

“Ah shit, you startled me. Why do you get so scared like that?”

“Sorry.”

Woojeong gave an awkward smile. He had always been the type to scare easily, but after that day, it felt like he had become even more sensitive. Even when he heard only a rustling sound behind him, he would flinch.

“You said you would leave first, so why did you come back?”

“Because your phone doesn’t work, I came. Hyung wants to see you for a bit.”

“Me?”

“Yeah. Go up to the third floor.”

Yoon Ijun, who had said he had an appointment after class, delivered the message and then immediately ran down the stairs.

The thought that it was fortunate he had no phone lasted only for a moment, because when he realized he caused trouble for several people like this, he thought he should get even an unused device from Seo Junho.

‎

“Woojeong-ssi, you came?”

Yoon Hyunjun’s work desk was In a spot where the whole room could be seen. He sat on the desk instead of a chair as he spoke on the phone, and he lowered his phone slightly.

“Your phone doesn’t work, right?”

“Yes….”

“Sit for a bit. I need to finish a call.”

Woojeong sat down on the sofa, and he looked at the gallery. On the day of the party, the space that had been filled with people and furniture was now neatly arranged.

Except for the workspace where canvases were piled and the showcase where jewelry was displayed, it was so orderly that nothing caught the eye.

“Yeah, I think he likes it. Hmm. But you can’t be sure just from that.” While he talked on the phone, Yoon Hyunjun walked toward the window. As if he was conscious of Woojeong, he lowered his voice. Woojeong deliberately turned his eyes elsewhere.

“I told you I understood. But you still need to say something with a convincing reason. You? Okay, then. Fine.”

In the middle of the call, Yoon Hyunjun told the other side to hold on, and he came straight to Woojeong and handed him his phone.

“It’s Jaegang. Answer it.”

Woojeong froze for a moment and carefully received the phone. As if to tell him to talk comfortably, Yoon Hyunjun went back to his spot and began to tapping on his laptop.

“…Hello.”

“It’s me. Have you been well?”

“Yes. But why….”

Woojeong asked carefully about the matter first. He had no idea why he had asked to be connected like this. On top of that, since he was borrowing Yoon Hyeonjun’s phone, continuing the call right next to him made him unnecessarily nervous.

“Ah, the matter. I sent a car to the gallery. Let’s meet at Snow Reflection Residence after a long while.”

“Now?”

“Yes. Is there some problem?”

Woojeong was at a loss for words. For him to call him to the Snow Reflection Residence was legitimate. Even if that day something had happened there, the fact itself didn’t change.

It was only foolishness that he had thought he could escape even for a little while from all this with the excuse of his broken phone.

“No. There isn’t. I will come down right away.”

“Alright. See you soon.”

Even after the call ended, Woojeong stared at the phone for a while, then he soon got up. He handed the phone back to Yoon Hyeonjun and bowed his head in thanks.

“Thank you for letting me use it.”

“Not at all. How do you find the class?”

He worried that he might ask what he and Han Jaegang had talked about, but Yoon Hyunjun asked about the class, he had no interest in the content of the call.

“It’s fun. Making the pieces is fascinating too.”

“That’s good. The artists in our workshop talk a lot about you, Woojeong-ssi. They say you have good dexterity and decent sense. Of course, more than that, they say you are handsome and cute much more often.”

Woojeong smiled awkwardly and listened, then after a moment he gave his thanks.

“I was able to attend the class thanks to you, Director. Thank you.”

“Huh? Why are you thanking me for that.”

“Yes?”

“Didn’t Jaegang tell you? The class arrangement was done by his request. He asked me to make sure you were included because you had interest in this field originally.”

It was Han Jaegang’s request…?

The fact that he was the one who gave him this chance was hard to believe, and Woojeong couldn’t speak for a while.

Han Jaegang always got involved in Woojeong’s affairs at unexpected moments as if it were nothing. Woojeong couldn’t guess why he cared this much about his affairs.

For him, it might have been just one act of kindness with no meaning, but for Woojeong to be shaken by it made him feel like a fool, and at times like now, when his heart swayed, he only felt tormented.

When he stepped out of the gallery, a familiar black car was waiting for Woojeong. Instead of the driver who usually came, Joo Yeongmo stepped out from the driver’s seat and greeted Woojeong.

“Hello.”

“Yes, it has been a while. Please get in.”

After hesitating for a moment, Woojeong got into the passenger seat. Joo Yeongmo made a troubled expression, but as if he understood Woojeong’s discomfort at sitting alone in the honored back seat, he got into the driver’s seat without a word.

Woojeong fixed his eyes on the time displayed on the central screen of the dashboard. His face darkened as he calculated how long it would take if he went to Snow Reflection Residence and then returned home.

“You must have been startled that day?”

Joo Yeongmo, who had been driving silently, spoke. Woojeong realized what day he was speaking about.

“…A little.”

“It was really fortunate that you were there that day, Lee Woojeong-ssi. Because I was far away, I almost couldn’t respond in time.”

It was fortunate that he had been of help in an urgent moment, but the memory of that day continued to weigh heavily on Woojeong.

“Is the Executive Director alright now?”

“Yes. He has improved a lot.”

Joo Yeongmo answered vaguely, and he raised the speed of the car. Woojeong silently stared at the clock on the screen.

At what time will I be able to get home? If I don’t explain in advance, it is obvious that there will be shouting. But even if I want to make contact, I have no phone now, and it isn’t easy to borrow someone else’s.

Should I say there was something at the class? But if they make a check call to Yoon Hyunjun, that excuse will be revealed right away. Should I rather say I met Junho….

Woojeong leaned his forehead weakly against the window. He felt he had to only hope that his stepmother or his brother would return later than him so that it would pass quietly.

But he didn’t know if such luck would come to him today.